
Class 



Ei 



Book-_i_ 



f~~l r~( J I 



NOTES, 

GEOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL, 



RELATING TO THE 



TOWN OF BROOKLYN, 



x.oi^ra--isi JJ ft.^rr), 



ZjULi 



t^KivOtv 



WITH NOTES, AND A MEMOIR OF THE AUTHOR. 



BROOKLYN ; 

REPRINTED FOR THE FAUST CLUB. 

1S65. 



EDITION': One hundred and twenty copies, of which twenty 
are on large paper. 



JTo.d- 



E. B. Spooneb 4 Sos, Trinters, 32 Court St. 






PREFATORY NOTE. 



( !< »N8mEEnrG the period at which they were writ- 
ten, Furman's " Notes on Brooklyn " possess 
extraordinary merit as a local history. Clear in 
their style — accurate, in the main, as to facts, 
there is, within these modest duodecimo pages, 
more of the condensed results of thoughtful re- 
search and careful analysis, than is apparent to 
one who has not made the history of Brooklyn a 
particular study. Yet, in presenting to the pub- 
lic a new edition of the " Notes," the " Faust 
Club " have been mainly influenced by a desire 
to rescue from fast gathering oblivion the mem- 
ory of the first, and, up to this time, the ablest 
historian of Brooklyn. For, though but ten 
years have elapsed since his death, yet owing to 
the peculiar reticence of his character, and his 
solitary manner of life, he seems to have become, 
even in the minds of those who best knew him, 
almost forgotten. 

It is, then, in the light of a testimonial to the 
memory of our foremost scholar and antiquarian, 
that we would have this reprint regarded. The 
work as here reproduced, is an almost per- 
fect fac-s'tin ilt , from the press of the oldest 
printing office in Brooklyn, where the original 



IV 



edition was printed more than forty years ago. 
The accompanying Memoir is from the pen 
of one who was almost the only person who 
cordd claim Judge Furman's intimacy during his 
life, and the Notes are mainly devoted to the 
illustration of obscure points, or the correction of 
errors, which have been disproved by the more 
recent discoveries of historical students, or the 
development of new information since Judge 
Furman wrote. 

It may be interesting to bibliopoles, who 
delight in trifles of this sort, to know that 
some of the same type which was used to set up 
the original title page, has also been used in 
the reproduction of the title page of this edition. 

In the hope, therefore, that this " labor of 
love " — as it has been to all concerned in its 
preparation — may possess some little value as a 
contribution to the literary hiograph/y of our 
country, this new edition of the " Notes " is 
respectfully submitted by 

The Faust Club, of Brooklyn. 

Mwrch 30,1865. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 



OF 



GABRIEL FURMAN 



Gabriel Furman, author of the Notes on Brooklyn, 
although but a few years ago moving in the midst of 
men, has already become almost a myth. The members 
of his immediate family circle have departed, his col- 
lections of books, laboriously gathered, have been scat- 
tered. No portrait of him is known to exist. There 
are few memoranda to be found in the papers which 
have been preserved, and few recollections in the minds 
of his remaining friends by which he can be distinctly 
recalled and presented to the readers of the present 
time. 

The writer of this sketch was perhaps as well ac- 
quainted with him, and with his thoughts, habits and 
feelings as any of his contemporaries were permitted to 
be. The writer was however ten years his junior, which 
makes his distinct personal knowledge of Judge Furman 
to commence at the time when the Judge was about 
twenty-one years old, and began to take part in the pub- 
lic affairs and social movements of the then incorporated 
village of Brooklyn. 

Gabriel Furman was born in Brooklyn, Kings County 



VI 



on Long Island, January "23d, in the year 1800. After 
diligent search among his relatives and connections, a 
family record was found which fortunately preserves this 
fact. 

He was born in the homestead of his father, William 
Furman, which stood in 1822 and for some years after, 
on the south side of Fulton Ferry, at No. 5 Fulton 
street, just upon the water line, on the site now occupied 
by the office of the Brooklyn City Rail Road Company. 

The family of Furman first came to Newtown, Long- 
Island, from Old England by way of New England, and 
settled there in 1051. From Newtown, they scattered 
upon the Island. 

William Furman, his father, came to Brooklyn from 
New Lotts just after the Revolution, filled various prom- 
inent offices, was first Judge of Kings County from 1808 
to 1823, village trustee in 1817, after the village incor- 
poration in 1816; Supervisor for several years, Member 
of Assembly from 1824 to 1820, and for many years 
President of the Brooklyn Fire Insurance Company, in- 
corporated in 182 J. 

But little is known of the schoolboy days of Gabriel 
Furman. A diary left by him shews, that from October 
1814, to November 10, 1S10, he was at school at Colum- 
bia Academy, Bergen, New Jersey. This diary is ruled 
with open columns, in which he notes the state of the 
roads and weather. It shews besides that he had a 
school-boy's enthusiasm toward the fair sex, although he 
always remained a bachelor. Some allusions also shew 
that even at this early time he was apt in allusion to lit- 
erary and classic characters. 

He studied law in the office of Elisha W. King, Beek- 



VII 



man-street, New-York, entering 27th June, 1823. and 
was with him a favorite student, from his characteristics 
of method and steadiness, as well as for eminent anal- 
ytic qualities of mind. These qualities attended him in 
a large degree after his admission to the bar, during sev- 
eral years of practice in the Courts, and Judicial expe- 
rience, and never during life altogether left him. There 
was no period during his somewhat erratic and clouded 
career, when Judge Furman would not have been con- 
sidered a good lawyer. A learned Judge, long one of 
his most valued friends, speaking of some papers prepar- 
ed by him in a chancery proceeding, not long before his 
death, said, "they would have been considered fair work 
for the ablest solicitor." 

But however well suited the mind of Judge Furman 
seemed to be in its general structure, to the processes 
and investigations of the law, and although he had fair 
reputation at the bar, and in the Court of Errors of this 
State, while a Senator, yet there is abundant evidence 
that the toils of jurisprudence were not the most conso- 
nant to his tastes. 

Among his memoranda occur these reflections : 
" As to politics and contest for office, they are entire- 
" ly dissimilar to my habits of feeling, and very unpleas- 
" ant, and nothing but an imperious sense of duty to my 
"country would ever induce me to enter at all into 
"them, or to have any sort of connection with them.' — 
" My wish would he, if possible to be attained, to pass 
" my life as a literary man, and a humble enquirer into 
" the history of my country — -uever to mingle in politi- 
" cal strife — never to hold an office of any kind; but 
" quietly to while away my time among my books and 



VIII 

" papers, and when it pleased the Almighty Disposer of 
" all events to call me hence, to lay my head on the pil- 
" low of death in peace with all men. There is nothing 
"on earth to compare, in the least degree, with the joy 
"and comfort which attends literary research, with the 
" inward satisfaction which results from a day thus spent. 
" It strikes me that a man truly literary can never be 
" immoral." 

Again, " No one but a person who possesses, what the 
" world calls, ' a taste for reading,' in its true sense, and 
" has improved the taste by years of practice, can duly 
" appreciate the meaning and force of Hunt's remark as 
"'to doating upon old books.' It is a passion which 
" gains strength by what it feeds on, and affords an unal- 
" loyed pleasure, far, very far, transcendent-ally far, be- 
" yond what can be afforded by any other pursuit in this 
" life. It also renders a man to a great extent independent 
" of the world for his happiness and enjoyments. Socie- 
" ty with its pleasures is not with him as it is with thou- 
" sands, everything. He has another World, unaffected 
" by toils and troubles — in which there are no storms or 
•' tempests; but everything is peace, calm and sunshine — 
" an eternal Spring and Summer, having at once the pro- 
" mise and the fruition. And to this blessed World he 
" can withdraw at pleasure, and there associate and ' hold • 
"sweet converse' with those great ami noble Spirits, of 
" which the World of mankind, the common World, is 
" not worthy. 

" This to the uninitiated in the secrets of Knowledge, 
"may sound like nonsense, or at least like enthusiasm; 
'• but those who have tried the experiment, and have be- 
" come the denizens of that happy World, ( and all men 



IX 



" can be so at their pleasure in this country,) know it is 
" nothing bat truth, plain naked truth." 

It is not to be doubted, that had circumstances enabled 
Judge Furman to follow entirely the strong bent of his 
historic and antiquarian predilections, he would have 
produced works of greater scope and completeness than 
he has left behind him. 

During the Summer of 1814, the students of Colum- 
bia Academy, Bergen, New-Jersey, tendered their ser- 
vices to the Committee of Defence in the City of New- 
York, marched over to Brooklyn with a flag and worked 
all day on the works at Fort-Greene, now Washington 
Park, Brooklyn. Furman, who was one of them, in re- 
cording this transaction says, " I feel a pride which ev- 
ery free born American ought to feel in saying, this is 
the second day I have worked to raise fortifications dur- 
ing this contest, to protect my country from an invading 
foe." 

Nov. 9th, 1810.— At Bergen, N. J., while still at the 
Academy, he say-;, " this evening I spent very agreeably 
chatting with the girls trying to persuade them there 
was no such passion as love, — a fine employment for a 
boy about sixteen — however, I could not succeed." 

He began almost as a boy to make memoranda of 
meteorological occurrences and of facts which attracted 
his attention in reading. 

He never went to College, though it is evident that 
he gave a share of his time at the schools he attended, 
to the study of the classics, and had a fair knowledge of 
the Latin and Greek authors. He was fond of attend- 
ing the " Commencements " of Columbia College, from 
which fact many of his friends supposed he had gradu- 



ated from that institution. An appeal to its records, 
and a further investigation shew that he was never a 
student of any College. 

In 1820, he was active in forming a debating Society 
in the City of Brooklyn, in the exercises of which he 
evidently took a conspicuous and interested part. He 
was also about this time an earnest advocate of the right 
of Brooklyn to participate in an equal degree with New- 
York in the establishment of Ferries, between that city 
and Brooklyn. 

In 1 824, at the invitation of the citizens of Brooklyn, 
he delivered the Fourth of July Oration, in the Dutch 
Reformed Church in Joralemou Street. 

In 1827, he was appointed by Governor Clinton a Jus- 
tice of the Municipal Court of Brooklyn, then just es- 
tablished, with John Garrison and Thomas Kirk as asso- 
ciates. This office he filled with credit for three years. 

As his judgment ripened, his taste for Antiquarian 
pursuits and learned investigations increased, until they 
held the chief place in his mind. With him this taste 
seems to have been intuitive. It is not known that he 
derived it from any example or associations. He became 
a haunter of book-stands and libraries. He began to 
collect a library of his own, which gradually became 
rich in every class of curious learning, ami in that of 
Astrology perhaps superior to any other in the country. 
He lost no opportunity of increasing his own written 
collections and memoranda. As these accumulated he 
had them substantially bound in neat and symmetrical 
small quarto volumes, which had reached the number 
of sixteen at the time of his decease. Of these volumes 
twelve can be traced since the dispersion of his library. 



XI 



These volumes seem to be a heterogeneous medley, 
and embrace almost every conceivable topic of curiosity 
or inquiry, from the most scientific to the most absurd 
and trivial. These are thrown together without order 
in a perfect chance-medley. A little may be found here 
" de omnibus rebus et ceteris aliis." Perhaps the most 
prominent topic is that of extraordinary recipes or cures 
of disorders, which involve faith in some principle a 
little superstitious. Indeed it is not to be doubted that 
his mind had a tendency to superstition as he remarks, in 
these memoranda "that all men have at times a strong 
tendency to superstition." The next principal topic is 
perhaps the weather, about which he is curious to note 
the peculiarities and changes from year to year, with 
comments on such phenomena as he deems may affect 
health. Then there are notes upon books, shewing an 
extensive knowledge of those which are rare and curious. 
Shakspeare, in all that can elucidate his history, has a 
large share of his attention. The drama in all ages and 
in all phases enlisted his eager interest. 

In the midst of this " mighty mass of miscellaneous 
matter," it is fortunate that the local instincts of Judge 
Fui'inan led him to jot down all that occurred to his ob- 
servation in the elementary condition and progress of 
his native city. His mind early turned toward its char- 
ters, traditions, revolutionary reminiscences, and the facts 
of its early settlement and population, agriculture and 
trade. He seemed to have an intuitive and prophetic 
sagacity as to the importance of describing, recording 
and fixing the dates of many things of his own time, 
which would change with progress and be forgotten. — 
The minuteness of some of these details may look like 



XII 



folly and simplicity, but still the better critics will admit 
that they go to make up his reputation as an Antiqua- 
rian of the best character who knew that these " details " 
would grow to be the very things that " posterity would 
delight in." Already in the rapid rush of population 
for the past thirty years, since Brooklyn assumed the 
character of a city, the old buildings and land-marks 
have been swept away, and but for " Furman's Notes" 
and " Guy's Picture of Brooklyn," it would be impossi- 
ble to trace its beginnings. 

The " Notes on Brooklyn," first scattered in these 
note books and common place books were brought to- 
gether to some extent in 1822, to oblige his friend, Col. 
Spooner, between whom and himself existed a strong 
friendship, and published in his first directory of Brook- 
lyn. At his suggestion, Judge Furman was led to am- 
plify them and present them in the form in which they 
are so well known and highly appreciated by the fam- 
ilies of " early Brooklyn." Although time and oppor- 
tunity have greatly increased the materials of Brooklyn 
History, and made some corrections in the work of 
Furman, it still contains "the very marrow " of our ear- 
ly history. 

It is due not only to his memory, but to the study of 
local history, that a new edition should be printed of a 
work which has now become very rare. The original 
edition, printed by Col. Alden Spooner, was but of 250 
copies, and in the hands of early residents, every copy 
is now held to be worth "a Jew's tooth.' 1 '' Proposals for 
this were issued December 30th, 1824, and the work 
published in March, 1825, though the imprint bears the 
date of 1S24. 



xin 

He was an ardent lover of nature, delighting in soli- 
tary rambles, frequently noting among his memoranda 
any objects or occurrences which struck his attention, 
often accompanied by moral and religious reflections.' — 
Of one of these walks, September 28th, 1821, he says: 
" The country looked beautiful, tinged with the golden 
" tints of the setting sun— all around was still and calm. 
" Oh, when I finish my course in this life, may I depart 
" with like glory, and may my end be like this setting 
"sun — to rise on a glorious morrow." 

Judge Furman was an active and zealous member of 
the Protestant Episcopal Church. His father, William 
Furman was warden of St. John's Church, ( of Rev. 
Evan M. Johnson,) in Johnson-street, from the time of 
it- erection in 1826, and his son Gabriel, tin- subject of 
this sketch, was for several years Vestryman and Treas- 
urer thereof. It is the testimony of the Rev. Evan M. 
Johnson, the hist Rector thereof, (yet living,) that he 
was in all things, during his connection with that church, 
a blight pattern and example of christian and manly 
virtue. He di'i not think "a purer young man ever liv- 
ed." In the building and decoration of the church his 
knowledge of ancient church proprieties enabled him to 
be of material aid. He delighted in medi;eval patterns 
of stained glass, and was a fixed friend of the cheerful 
Christinas custom of decorating the church with Ever- 
greeus. 

In this connection we may as well introduce an anec- 
dote coupled with his name, told us by the same vene- 
rable clergyman, now seventy-two years old. 

When he was about departing for Europe some years 
ago, he had a parting interview with Judge Furman 



XIV 



who said to him, " you will of course visit Cambridge ?" 
Mr. Johnson replied, " Yes." "Then," said the Judge, 
" when you visit the College, be sure to inquire for the 
Library of Samuel Pepys." Mr. Johnson visited Cam- 
bridge, and preached there, taking up his lodgings op- 
posite Triuity College. His particular and intimate 
friend while there, had long been a professor of the 
College. After he had seen the ordinary shows, Mr. 
Johnson inquired of this professor ''where he could find 
the library of Samuel Pepys ?" The professor assured 
him there must be some mistake — there was no such 
library in Cambridge! "But" said Mr. Johnson, " I 
know there is. My informant is one of the most distin- 
guished and accurate antiquarians in America, and could 
not mistake on such a point. This Library was be- 
queathed by Samuel Pepys to Magdalen College." His 
pertinacity set the professor upon inquiry, who returned 
to him with a face of utter amazement. " It is all true," 
said he, " and I have been in this College twenty-five 
years, and never before heard of it ! But it is no won- 
der. We of the College are not allowed to see such 
things. They are reserved only for distinguished visi- 
tors." On applying to the Vice Chancellor a special 
permission was obtained to visit the Library of this dis- 
tinguished Antiquary and Book-Collector. Here Mr. 
Johnson saw everything kept just in the order and con- 
dition in which Samuel Pepys had left it. He was par- 
ticularly curious in Old English ballads, some of which 
were lying strewn upon the floor, just where they had 
dropped from his hand. 

Judge Furman was one of the Committee to erect the 
Court House and Jail in Piavmond-streot, Brooklyn, of 



XV 



which Gamaliel King was the Architect. In this build- 
ing the Judge indulged his taste for the antique, and his 
admiration of the Gothic style, being particular, among 
other things, that it should exhibit a massive oaken door 
with all the graining and other natural peculiarities of 
the wood. His nicety in this particular availed but lit- 
tle, as a subsequent Board of Supervisors had the door 
carefully painted with a thick coating of a brilliant and 
glaring white. 

In November, 1838, he was elected to the Senate of 
this State, in which he served for 1839, 1840, 1841 and 
1842. The records of the Senate, which was at that 
time the Court of Errors, shew that he was industrious 
and able on the judicial side of his duties. He also 
made some statesmanlike speeches, particularly the one 

I (hingthe Canal policy of the State, which he always 

favored. His full speech, made in 1842, reported in 
the Albany Evening Journal during that year, on the 
policy of completing the public works, at an expense 
upon which the interest could be realized from tolls, is a 
masterly and laborious exposition of the whole subject, 
as cogent in argument as it is rich in statistics. 

In 1841 he delivered two valuable and interesting lec- 
tures on the Discoveries of the Northmen and of Aborig- 
ginal Remains in America, before the Brooklyn Lyceum. 
These were repealed before the Mercantile Library As- 
sociation, New- York, the Young Men's Christian Asso- 
ciations of Albany and Troy, and afterwards at Utica, 
Canandaigua and Rochester. 

In 1842, Luther Bradish was nominated for Governor 
and Judge Furman for Lieutenant-Governor by the Whig 
Party of the State. They were not elected. 



XVI 

The writer thinks an anecdote connected with Judge 
Fin-man and this campaign may not be amiss as it exhib- 
its strikingly a peculiarity, which in the end made him 
not only a recluse, but an exile from his friends. When 
his nomination had been secured by the exertions of 
some very warm friends, it became desirable to secure 
his letter of acceptance. He was written to without 
reply. It was understood that the publication of the 
letter of Mr. Bradish was withheld to be made at the 
same time with Judge Furman's. This never came. — 
The writer was requested, with Theodore Fames, Esq., 
the law partner of the Judge to call on him at the Eagle 
Hotel, Albany, and repair the omission. The call was 
made at about eight o'clock in the morning, on their way 
to Utica by the early train to attend the confirmatory 
convention. On asking to be shewn to the Judge's room, 
the boj-of the Hotel flatly refused, saying, "It is against 
positive orders." On being informed of the urgency of 
the occasion, that we two were his near friend, and law 
partner who would see him but a few minutes, and that 
the fate of his election might turn upon it, the boy still 
said " it can't be done — he won't see any body!" As 
we turned away despairingly, the question was thrown 
out, " what time in the day does the Judge get up .'" — 
"Four o'clock in the afternoon," curtly responded the 
lad. It was a hopeless case. The delegation proceeded 
by the morning train, and it is believed that the ordi- 
nary letters of acceptance were never given. 

As a further confirmation of his habits while Senator, 
at Albany, the writer inquired of a respectable and wor- 
thy Senator from the first district, a political colleague 
of the Judge and constantly on the same committees, 



XVII 



what he thought of him? His reply was, "I don't 
know him. He comes and goes as he pleases — fires off 
a mile or two of his canal speech every day, and never 
associates with any body." 

1843, October 25th, he delivered the Annual Address 
before the American Institute, at, Niblo's, New-York 

1844, October 10th, he delivered the Annual Address 
before the Queen's County Agricultural Society. 

In addition to the "Notes on Brooklyn," Judo'e Fur- 
man, at the instance of William Gowans of New-York, 
the well known dealer in ancient books, has enriched 
Denton's History, first published in 1 070, with a body 
of valuable notes. In an advertisemenl appended to 
this he promises a History of a tribe of Welsh Indians 
which early settled in America. This work has never 
yel appeared. This story of Madoc and his voyage to the 
West Indies iu 1170, was well calculated to enlist both 
the speculation and love of exploration which belonged 
to the mind of Judge Furman. 

When that great work, the Natural History of the 
State of New-York had been determined upon, a letter 
was sent to him by Gov. Seward, dated June 13th, 1842, 
which concludes as follows: 

" Will you do the State so great a favor as to furnish 
notes concerning what has been accomplished iu regard 
to Antiquities and also the History of Book Printing. 
Your friend and humble servant, 

WILLIAM H. SEWARD." 

It is not to be doubted that such a commission would 

have commanded a zeal and elicited a wealth of learning 

which few other men possessed. The original plan, 

however, was altered, and the article written by Judge 



XVIII 

Furman was not used, at least in fullness or form as it 
was written. Concerning this matter, Judge Furman 
lias left the following note : 

"I was anxious that so great a work as the ' Natural 
History of the State of New-York' which was intended 
to comprise some ten or twelve quarto volumes, and 
which would be first issued and many of the volumes 
published under the Whig administration of the State, 
should be not only a credit to the State, but that it 
also should not impair the high claim which we as a 
party had always held to advancing literature in our 
country. With this view I urged upon Gov. Seward 
that the introduction to the first volume should be a lit- 
erary history of the State, divided into different heads; 
and that each subject should be treated of distinctly, 
and thus made as perfect as possible by itself without 
reference to any other head ; that the space required for 
such introduction was a matter of no moment compared 
with the importance of having it valuable and complete 
as such a work would probably never again be published 
by the State. The Governor assented to my view of 
the case and soon after addressed me the annexed let- 
ter, and I prepared and forwarded him the articles of 
which the original draft follows in this volume. To my 
surprise some time after I found that some gentlemen 
in Albany had advised him to a different course and that 
he had adopted it and prepared the introduction as we 
now have it and which has been found great fault with 
by ' Silliman's Journal,' and other Reviews." 

In lecturing his enunciation was clear and distinct, 
though free from emphasis and enthusiasm. 

There are extant of the writings of Judcje Furman, 



XIX 

besides those above alluded to, the second volume of an 
attempted catalogue of early American Books, also an 
abstract of the English Laws of the Province, compiled 
probably while he was a student at law. The friend 
who brought him to Brooklyn, in his last illness, gather- 
ed up the remnants of books and papers remaining in 
his New -York lodgings. These were deposited for some 
months in the ferry house at the Fulton Ferry, Brooklyn 
side. The books, enclosed in a box, were uninjured and 
reached their appropriate place among the books of 
the Long-Island Historical Society. The loose papers 
(which are supposed to have been mainly law papers 
and of small value) were nibbled into the smallest frag- 
ments by rats. 

"Man proposes, but God disposes." We have quo- 
ted above, the views of Judge Furman as to the happi- 
ness and morality of a life devoted to literary research. 
The simple and pure lives of many Antiquaries, Histo- 
rians and Book-men, would seem to confirm his opinion. 
In the maturity of his years however, after he had in 
some degree accommodated his tastes to his sense of 
duty to his country, and enjoyed preferment and tenders 
of higher preferment, he began to exhibit some phases 
of conduct and character hardly consistent with perfect 
sanity. Without detail, the result of these were to leave 
his family without the protection of a roof, to leave a 
father and sister helpless and dependent upon others, 
to die at last in obscurity, while his books and manu- 
scripts were sold by the Sheriff of Kings County. His 
father died before him, October 16th, 1852, his only sis- 
ter, Martha, survived him a few years, dying February, 
1863. His own life went out amid clouds and darkness. 



XX 



It is believed by the most intimate of the friends of 

Judge Furraan that his errors and infirmities had their 
radical source in the use of opium, which he began to 
take in very small quantities during the cholera season, 
1832. This habit at first narrowly restricted and always 
carefully concealed, increased upon him, until in the end 
it clouded his faculties, blunted his moral convictions 
and sensibilities, made him forget ambition and neglect 
duty, and become a seeker of solitudes aloof from family 
and early friends. The friends of Judge Furman all a- 
gree that he was rarel\ known t<> partake of other stim- 
ulants. 

Judge Furman was by liis habits a secluded and iso- 
lated man, but not by nature unsocial. When engaged 
in literary pursuits he disliked to be interrupted. If 
however a friend by a coup cV etat got beyond the bar- 
riers he interposed, he was always kind, courteous and 
conversational, rarely if ever betraying the slightest tem- 
per or irritation. 

It was rare that Judge Furman chose to dine with more 
than one person. "When first Judge of the Municipal 

Court, he invited Judge M to dine with him at 

the Cafe Francaise. Judge M , (supposing a third 

equally intimate would increase the pleasure,) extended 

the invitation to Judge K . Judge Furman at 

once found an excuse for postponing the dinner. 

His frequent visits to New-York were rarely made in 
company with any one. He would be seen at the book- 
stands, in the streets, at the libraries, or crossing the ter- 
ry entirely alone, never with any appearance of abstrac- 
tion. In the Brooklyn City Library which at one time 
he much consulted, he would come quietly in, regard 



XXI 

nobody, make his investigation-, and disappear without 
a word. If anyone chose to address him he was frank 
and affable. 

Although without the quality of piquant wit, or even 
humor, yet no man relished the latter quality more than 
he. In the grotesque meetings got up at the Appren- 
tices' Library to oppose the resolution of Gen. McClure, 
taking the tax from dogs and imposing it upon bachelors, 
when Jacob Patchen was put in the chair, Judge Fur- 
man was, to use a phrase of the time, " a prominent row- 
dy." He also modified his characteristic solitariness so 
far, as to form a principal member of the Society ot 
" Trampers," who in a fellowship of some half-dozen, 
visited Oommunipaw and other places, writing sportive 
essays thereon. But this was in the earlier time. On 
the second marriage of his friend Col. Spooner, he pie- 
sided at the supper table, and kept up continual merri- 
ment by popping off the champagne corks, with the 
expression invariably, " Silence gentlemen, the chairman 
is about to make a report." His isolated habits increased 
with years until he came to deny himself to his best 
friends and on the most important occasions. 

Judge Furman was of the middle height, well made, 
with a face of brownish color, tending to length, a promi- 
nent Roman nose, and a well made forehead, from which 
some of the hair seemed to have been removed to give 
it additional height. He was always neatly dressed in 
a frock coat of snuff colored or greenish .doth, with light 
pantaloons and vest, and shoes with spatter-dashes. His 
black fur hat carefully brushed, was turned up at the 
sides. His neck-tie was a little gay and ornamental — 
His tout-ensemble was that of a polished gentleman, while 
3 



XXII 

there was a peculiarly quaint and prim air about him, 
which suggested the scholar or antiquary. His pace in 
walking was very measured and deliberate. 

The homestead at the foot of Fulton-street was en- 
croached upon in the widening of that street. It was 
afterwards sold, and Judge Furman about 1836 removed 
to the house 103 Willow-street, which he occupied sev- 
eral rears. Here he was framed amid his books which 
filled the front room of the second story in convenient 
alcoves, and kept himself as far as possible secure a- 
gainst intruders. 

This homestead was suddenly broken up in the wreck 
of his financial affairs, and the inmates sent forth to seek 
shelter without the least warning. He himself soon af- 
ter took lodgings in the city of New-York, and became 
from that time forth an exile from his friendships and 
associations. He prepared the catalogue for the sale of 
his library, which was sold in New- York to pay his debts. 
For a considerable space his haunts were understood 
to be at Communipaw, Bergen Foint, and Jersey City, 
(scenes of his early youth and later rambles.) where his 
associates were the fishermen of the region. At one 
time he was certainly interested in the searches prosecu- 
ted on the North River near Cornwall, to recover treas- 
ure understood to be sunken in one of "Captain Kidd's" 
vessels. In spite of the abundant evidences presented 
by the Hon. Henry C. Murphy, in his article in the 
Merchant's Magazine, and others, to shew that no ves- 
sel of "Kidd's" was ever sunk in the place indicated, 
Judge Furman gave to the stock issued the support of 
his antiquarian reputation, which no dourt aided in mak- 
ing victims to this bubble and delusion. Nothing could 



XXIII 

more shew the changes his mind had taken toward de- 
lusions, than the fact that in the earlier soundness of his 
judgment, he had treated this whole theory of " Kidd's " 
vessel as an absurdity, and commented upon the innum- 
erable diggings for his fabulous gold as the supremacy 
of folly. 

After long absence he returned among his friends, 
and seemed as though he had left them but the day be- 
fore. He was always poor and required some pecuniary 
assistance, and seemed ready to occupy a desk in an 
office and address himself with ability to some profes- 
sional work. These occasions were fitful, and soon fol- 
lowed by a return to his secret haunts. 

At length in 1854 it became known to one of his best 
and most steadfast friends, that he was sick and unable 
to move from his lodgings. These were found to be a 
small bed-room in a Hotel in Frankfort-street on the site 
of the old Dutch Church. Here he was found in a 
miserable condition, with his limbs and body covered 
with painful ulcers, so that, to use the phrase of his 
friend, the flesh dropped off from his bones. He was 
provided with a serving man for a few days, when, as it 
was evident his strength was failing, the friend alluded 
to, procured a carriage, and had him carefully conveyed 
to the Brooklyn City Hospital, Raymond- street, next to 
the Court House and Jail he had assisted in erecting, 
holding him in his arms all the way. He was in a state 
of extreme debility and stupor. As the carriage passed 
the facade of the jail his face lighted up with a gleam of 
intelligence and recognition, and to the question of his 
friend, " do you know that?" he nodded assent. He was 
placed in the Hospital, and had the most assiduous at- 



XXIV 



tention until his death, which occurred on the day he 
entered, the 11th of November, 1854, of "chronic diar- 
rhoea," as stated in the bo lie Institution. 

The writer there looked Lis last upon that countenance 
once so familiar, but would have found no trace of iden- 
tity, save in the marked character of the Roman nose, 
always a dignifying feature of his somewhat remarkable 
and decidedly intellectual face. His funeral was attend- 
ed from that Institution by a few friends and profession- 
al brethren. lie is buried in Greenwood Cemetery, in 
the burial lot of his aunt, Mrs. Boyd, who but a few 
months ago died in Brooklyn, at the age of 96. 



In seeking persons familiar with the feelings and pur- 
suits of Gabriel Furman, the writer could not neglect 
his long esteemed friend and adviser, William Gowans, 
elsewhere referred to as the publisher of the Bibliotheca 
Americana. This gentleman kindly put upon paper his 
recollections. These have been found to embrace so 
much that is interesting and characteristic, that I have 
taken the liberty to present them in the form adopted 
by the writer. 



REMINISCENCES 



Hon. GABRIEL FURMAN, 

BY 

WILLIAM GOWANS. 



To the "Famt Club" of Brooklyn: 

Gentlemen: — If I should send a motto for your 
memoir, it would be : 

" To attend to the neglected and to remember the forgotten."— Burke. 

The Honorable Gabriel Furman, of Brooklyn, Lone- 
Island, was a man whose memory I still call to affection- 
ate remembrance; bis didactic conversation, his demean- 
or and staid appearance are all still as fresh in my mind's 
eye as in those halcyon days when he used to visit my 
store of books. He was a native of Brooklyn, Long- 
Island, born in or near the year 1800. 

I will endeavor lo describe some of his mental char- 
acteristics and his personal appearance, or rather how he 
appeared to me. He was small of stature, compactly 
built, walked with a slow and measured step, as if in 
deep meditation, his complexion was brown, with a 
smooth or soapy appearance, his eyes dark and twink- 
ling, strongly marked aquiline or Roman nose, middle 
cartilage descending lower than the exterior covers, a 
high forehead. The whole head and face taken al- 
together, I should say, had a decided resemblance to 



XXVI 

Mons. Pascal's, the famous French Philosopher, and 
devout Christian ; as represented by a portrait of him 
lately discovered, and which accompanies the late French 
editions of his works as well as the English; his hair 
black, soft as silk or Thibet wool, his hand as mellow 
and plump as that of any young lady, such an one as 
Lord Byron would have greatly coveted. He was al- 
ways dressed in the neatest style, in cloth of invisible 
green, olive, or black; taken altogether he might easily 
have been taken for a Turkish Mufti, especially, if he 
had been found among the Orientals. As a general thing 
in walking through the streets he had a book or books 
under one arm, more especially if he was going from 
New-York to Brooklyn. 

He was among the first and steadiest as a purchaser 
of books, and I may here confess, that he it was who 
mainly by his advice, as well as his extensive purchases 
of American Literature, directed my attention to that 
specialty. The literature of the New World at that 
time (1830) stood very low in the estimation of Amer- 
icans in general. 

For some time the Hon. Sir James Stuart of Dunern, 
Scotland, Samuel G. Drake, Esq., of Boston, and the 
Hou. Gabriel Furman, were the only buyers of Ameri- 
can books. 

Our intimacy commenced in this way. Upon a very 
genial afternoon in the month of September, 1831, he 
came along Chatham-street, and espying a book estab- 
lishment at No. 121 of very tiny dimensions, and scan- 
tily stocked with indifferent books arranged around the 
walls, he entered it, made a long and careful examina- 
tion of the contents, without uttering a word, and at 



XXVII 

last when he had got through, stepped up to me with 
two aged volumes in his hand, and asked me what would 
be the price of them ? I of course very willingly made 
answer to the query, inasmuch as I was very anxious to 
sell. The book proved to be the Miscellaneous Works 
of John Toland, one of the free writers on religion and 
politics of the age of Queen Anne, of whom England 
swarmed with such at that time, Lord Bolingbroke 
standing at the head. This book among other curious 
matters, had a history of the British Druids, the article 
which had more especially attracted his attention, and 
which prompted him to purchase the grim old volumes. 
Respecting the history of this copy of said work, I beg- 
ged his attention for a short time, till I had said a few 
words concerning it. This book appeared from the book 
plates affixed inside of each fiist cover, to have at one 
time belonged to Lord Fullerton of Carstairs, County of 
Lanark in Scotland. Said Carstairs was in the vicinity 
of my natal home, and I remember the character that 
this eccentric Lord bore in the neighborhood, not only 
for his religious and political opinions, but for his social 
habits. He had the reputation of having a very large 
and curious library, a rather uncommon appendage to a 
homestead in a country place, and further it was known 
that he would freely lend his books to any one who 
could give security for their safe and uninjured return. 
This security consisted in a note payable on demand, 
the sum named being four times the market value of the 
book. A ledger account was kept with the borrower, 
the name and price entered and value of the book charg- 
ed at the time when taken away, and the time named 
when to be brought back. If failing to comply with the 



XXVII] 

terms the fourfold price of the book became forfeited, 
the sum was demanded by a messenger sent to the de- 
linquent by his lordship. I have understood that law- 
suits have grown out of these " Tom Thumb " contracts. 
Now these volumes that 1 sold to Mr. Furman, must 
have been got from his library, by some one who failed 
to return them, and they must have been brought to 
America by some emigrant who afterwards disposed of 
them on this side of the Atlantic. 1 purchased the vol- 
umes at the sale of the late Rt. Rev. Bishop Hobart's 
Library, which was sold shortly after I became a book- 
seller. 

He took great interest in the narrative, and I remem- 
ber, when one of the portions of his library was sold, 
that identical copy of Toland's Miscellaneous Works 
made its appearance, and in it this whole narrative was 
amplified, and written upon inserted writing paper, with 
much additional matter respecting the Fullerton fam- 
ilv, as well as a dissertation on the Infidel writers ot the 
times of Lord Herbert, Collins, Toland,Wollaston, Man- 
deville, Tindall, Blount, Shaftesbury, Morgan, Chubb, 
and afterwards Voltaire, Rousseau, Hume and Gibbon. 
Who became the fortunate purchaser of these interest- 
ing volumes I know not; they are no doubt in the pos- 
session of some diligent collector, either in New-York 
city or in the far-west. 

Thus commenced my intimacy with the Hon. Gabriel 
Furman, which continued without interruption, until he 
became financially, as well as physically, unable either to 
purchase or visit my book-store. He called on me week- 
ly, and sometimes oftener, and seldom made a call with- 
out making a purchase. 



XXIX 

But what added to the value of his visits, was his 
advice and counsels to me, then a very young man, 
which possessed great interest, and proved afterwards 
of vast importance in my line of business. He had the 
old English Nobleman's notion of buying books at auc- 
tion. He never attended one of these sales, but if any- 
thing turned up that he was particularly desirous of 
possessing, in any collection to be sold, he would call 
upon me, or write and request that I would purchase the 
books designated by him in the catalogue. He never 
named any price, and was invariably satisfied with all 
my purchases or even those that I declined to purchase, 
on account of price or condition. 

As a book buyer, and consequently collector, it may 
be safely affirmed, that he had no equal in the country 
at the time. Some who are collectors, or familiar with 
the fraternity, may think this an exaggeration, but this 
would only prove that they had no knowledge of his 
habits in this line. His appetite for books was insatia- 
ble, indeed so much so that it interfered with his profes- 
sion to his pecuniary detriment. As an instance of this 
taste for accumulation, he had certain favorite authors, 
of whose works he bought every edition, as well as all 
commentaries, dissertations, or any printed book or 
pamphlet touching them or their works. Among the 
most conspicuous of these authors were Shakspeare, 
Milton and Burns; of the former he had so many edi- 
tions that the number of volumes united" would count 
over one hundred, and of treatises illustrative of the 
same, several hundred. Shakspeare, in his estima- 
tion, was the greatest and the grandest of all Authors 
excelling his contemporaries in depth, breadth and 



XXX 

brilliancy as far as the sun excels the moon in giving 
light. 

He spent much of his time in the study of the Eng- 
lish Drama, and dramatic literature. Uis study had a 
particular fascination for him, and as a consequence he 
had become quite familiar with the works of the prin- 
cipal authors, more especially the contemporaries of 
Shakspeare, and their immediate successors of the ages 
of Charles I. and II. His desire was to accumulate the 
works of every dramatic author, as well as the leading 
histories and illustrations of the Drama. 

He made a rail-fence or zig zag tour through Long- 
Island, from Brooklyn to Montauk-Point. He wrote an 
account of this tour, wherein much matter was embod- 
ied touching the remnants of Indian tribes still lingering 
on the Island, as well as much of historical and statisti- 
cal research, concerning the Island at large. This inter- 
esting tour was never published. He is understood to 
have placed it in a hollow tree during his rambles and 
never to have regained it. 

He commenced the collecting of American books, 
when as before hinted the taste in this country was lim- 
ited to but a few. I sold him numerous books and 
pamphlets, which now would realize from ten to fifteen 
times the amount which he paid for them. 

I will give a few examples: 

Smith's Hist, of New-Jersey, a fine copy, $2 00. 

Smith's Hist, of New- York, large, fine paper, clean 
copy, 14 to $4 25. 

Cotton Mather's Magnalia, fob, 17 50. 

Thomas's Hist, of Printing in America, 2 v. 8vo, bds., 
uncut, $2 00. 



XXXI 

Smith's Hist, of Virginia, 2 v. 8vo, bds., $3 00. 

*Yates & Moulton's Hist, of New-York, 2 v., 8vo, bds., 
$2 00. 

Hazard's American State Papers, 2 vols., 4to, bds., 
uncut $4, 

Original Edition of Denton's New- York, $5 00. 

Mathew Carey's American Museum, 12 vols, $9 00. 

Niles's Register, 75 vols., $50 00. 

American Remembrancer, 17 vols., 8vo, $17 00. 

Besides many pamphlets at from ten to fifteen cents, 
which would now realize dollars. 

He was a stanch Episcopalian, and had a decided lean- 
ing to, and affinity with what is called the high church 
party of that denomination, even to the lighting of can- 
dles in church during divine service, in the day time. — 
On this subject he and I could not agree for five minutes 
at a time. He was a great admirer of the English hier- 
archy, not only of their principles, but of their theo- 
logical and literary abilities. Jeremy Taylor, Hooker, 
South, Barrow, Atterbury, Waterland, besides some of 
the leading puritan writers, were favorite authors. — 
'Works on Demonology, Witchcraft and Supernatural- 
ism generally, were also a favorite class of books, which 
formed a part of his collection. Amongst them lie 
had a copy of the Works of the famous Magician, 
Cornelius Agrippa, in 2 vols. 4to., Life of Apollonius 
Tyrannus, the Sybilline Oracles, and many others of kin- 
dred character. 

He wrote a book to prove the existence of a tribe of 



* I had over two hundred copies of this book in sheets, which is now worth 
$20 a copy, which I used for wrapping paper. I never think of this sacrifice 
hut with regret 



XXXII 

Welsh Indians in America, a subject which has engaged 
the attention of many besides him. He was a firm be- 
liever that such a tribe did exist, and is still existing, 
located somewhere on or west of the Rocky Mountains. 
Catlin in his book on the N. A. Indians favors the like 
belief. This book was intended to form No. 2 of my 
Bibliotheca Americana, but unfortunately soon after the 
manuscript was put into my possession, waiting for pub- 
lication, he called one day and requested to be permit- 
ted to take the same home with him, as he had not only 
corrections, but additions to make. He accordingly car- 
ried it off, and I never saw more of it. What has be- 
come of this precious relic, I never could learn. It is 
my opinion that a portion of his library is still secreted 
somewhere either in Brooklyn or New-York. Should 
this turn out to be so, the lost treasure may be recovered. 
Many books of notable mark he got from me, I have 
never been able to trace : for example, there was a folio 
copy of Denton's New-York, ( only four copies printed,) 
Works of Cornelius Agrippa, 2vols., 4to. Alraon's Amer- 
ican Remembrancer, 17 vols., 8vo., Thomas's History of 
Printing, 2 vols., 8vo, bds., uncut. These as well as 
many others, I still recollect of, were never sold with 
any portions of his library, that I have seen sold, and I 
think I have witnessed all that have been disposed of 
by public sale. 

He was never married, and from all that I could ob- 
serve or learn he was one of the most indifferent to the 
influence and charms of the fair sex that could well be 
imagined.* 



* In regard to this trait, it is enough to state, whether for good or ill, that 
there is evidence that Judge Funnan, though remaining a bachelor, was not 
inattentive to the charms, nor free from the thraldom of the fair sex [Editor.] 



XXXHI 

It was usual on his visits to my book-store, for the 
conversation to turn upon other matters and things be- 
sides books, book selling and book buying. On a certain 
occasion it turned upon the distress caused to those who 
were afflicted with fever and ague. I remarked that I 
had a friend who had been unusually tormented with 
this disease. He observed that a cure could be very 
easily effected, and he would with pleasure give me a 
receipt to that end. He forthwith proceeded to give 
me an oral prescription as follows : " Go to a certain 
tree at the full of the moou, armed with a certain num- 
ber of pills, ( the ingredients of which the}' were to be 
composed, I now forget.) go around the tree three times 
to the right, and again three times to the left, then stop 
on the side upon which the moon shines, place the back 
straight up against the tree, facing the moon, and re- 
main in this position for a certain time. This being 
over, bore with an auger a hole into the tree behind 
where the patient stood, then place one half of the pills 
into the auger hole, and swallow the other half. This 
ceremony being concluded, let the patient go home, and 
immediately go to bed, and next morning he would rind 
that the pestiferous ague would have taken its everlast- 
ing departure, from the body of the wearied sufferer." 

I listened with great gravity to all this, but the cure 
appeared so preposterous, as well as ridiculous, that I 
burst out laughing. At this indecorous and unmannerly 
return for his kindness, he became quite angry and made 
some remarks corroborative of the state of his mind. — 
I apologized in the best manner I could, and so the mat- 
ter ended. 

This is the only instance in which I ever remember to 



xxxiv 

have observed him out of temper, and our intimacy had 
existed for fourteen years. Credulity on certain subjects 
was one of his peculiarities; the marvelous and super- 
natural on many subjects and things appeared to him as 
positive as mathematical facts; he was a firm believer in 
the authenticity of the celebrated Moon Hoax by Locke, 
also of the Captain Kidd * Gold deposit in the Hudson 
River near Caldwell's Landing, and of the existence and 
power of Witches. 

A few cunning speculators got up a Company for the 
purpose of lifting the gold supposed to be lying in the 
bottom of the Hudson River, deposited there by the cel- 
ebrated freebooter, Captain Kidd. Said company sold 
their shares in considerable numbers to the credulous 
believers in this gross imposition. To give credit to the 
trick, this company procured an old rusty cannon, which 
apparently had been long under water, purporting to 
have been taken from Kidd's sunken ship in the Hudson 
River, near Caldwell's Landing. This gun laid in Wall- 
Street for many weeks, exhibited to the gaze of the cred- 
ulous and incredulous multitudes. Many in consequence 
became purchasers of the stock. Amonr; that number 
was my friend Gabriel Furraan. I need hardly add that 
not one of those outside of " the rincr "' ever saw one 
cent of their money returned. 

* This was a latter day belief, contradicting his former writings and con- 
victions. [Editor.] 



NOTES 

GEOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL, 

RELATING 10 I n. 

Kotow of Mv®&k%&n, 



KINGS COUNTY 



m©i?#*t»Air®< 



i:V GABRIEL FUKMAX. 



"They are worthy of reprehension who contemn the study of 
antiquity, (which is ever accompanied with dignity) as an arid 
curiosity." I.okd Coke. 



BROOKLYN: 

PRINTED BY A. SPOONF.R, NO. 50 FULTON-STREET. 

1824. 



ADVERTISEMENT. 



The Compiler offers these notes to the inhabit- 
ants of his native town, in the hope that they may 
be in some small degree useful and entertainins in 
discussions relating to the history and rights of this 
thriving place. He claims no merit for this per- 
formance, and neither does he write from the van- 
ity of being considered an author, but is only actu- 
ated by a desire to rescue from oblivion such facts 
as may be interesting to his fellow-citizens. The 
Compiler would consider himself guilty of ingrati- 
tude, if he did not in this public manner, acknow- 
ledge the obligations he rests under from the kind 
assistance afforded him whilst collecting these no- 
tices, by Jeremiah Johnson, Abraham Vanderveer. 
Silas Wood, and John Doughty, Esrprs. 



NOTES &e.. 



TOWN OF BROOKLYN. 



SITUATION. 

This town is situated in Kings County, on the 
west end of Long-Island, in the State of New-York. 
It is bounded north by the City and County of 
New- York; east by the township of Bushwick; 
south by the township of Flatbush and New Utrecht ; 
and west by New York Bay ; and contains the 
village of Brooklyn, which is about a mile square. 
This town formerly composed part of a powerful 
Indian Sachemdom ; and with the other parts of 
the Island bore the Indian name of Matowcas/ 

This part of the Island, as far as Jamaica was in- 
habited by the Canarsee tribe of Indians. The old 
Dutch inhabitants in this county have a tradition, that 
the Canarsee Indians were subject to the Mohawks, 
as all the Iroquois were called ; and paid them an an- 
nual tribute of dried clams and wampum. When 
the Dutch settled here, they persuaded the Canar- 
sees to keep back the tribute; in consequence of 
which a party of the Mohawks came down and kill- 
ed their tributaries wherever they met them. So 
great was the dread that these Indians afterwards 
entertained of the Iroquois, that when a party of the 
Iroquois, during the French war were taken pris- 
oners and imprisoned in the Jail of this count}-, the 
Canarsees avoided them with the greatest care : and 
seemed to be afraid even to come where they should 

1 * ' 



see them. The Canarsee Indians are at this time 
totally extinct ; not a single member of that ill fa- 
ted race is now in existence. 13 

There was also a small tribe of the Nyack Indi- 
ans near the Narrows. 

In this town is also the United States Navy- Yard, 
containing about ±n acres; which was purchased 
of John Jackson, Esq. by Francis Childs, Esq. for 
$±0,000, and on the 23rd day of February, 1801, 
was conveyed by said Childs to the United States. 

ANCIENT NAMES AND REMAINS. 

Iii 1667, this town was known by the name of 
Breucklen. In the act to divide the province of 
New- York into shires and counties, passed Nov. 1, 
16S3, it is mentioned by the name of JBreucklyn. 
It is also called Broucklyn in the act to divide the 
province into shires ami counties, passed Oct. 1, 
1001. The present name Brooklyn, does not ap- 
pear to have been generally adopted until after the 
-Revolutionary war. 

Heads of Indian arrows, beds of oyster and clam 
shells denoting the former residence of the abori- 
gines, are frequently found in different parts of this 
town. 

Among the most ancient remains are two houses, 
one owned by the family of Cortelyou, built in 
1699 c ; the other standing on Fulton-street, in the 
village of Brooklyn. The last mentioned house 
was occupied by the Colonial Legislature as a Ses- 
sions house, during the prevalence of the small-pox 
in New-York, in 1752 ; and at this house on the ±th 
of June, 1752, 25±1 Bills of credit issued by this 
Colony, amounting to §3602, 18, 3, were cancelled 
by the Colonial Commissioners. This house was 
also occupied by Gen. Putnam as his head quarters 



during the stay of the American Army, on Long- 
Island, in 1776. D But the oldest house in the town 
of Brooklyn is supposed to he the house known as 
No. G4 Fulton-street, in the village of Brooklyn, 
and now owned and occupied by Mr. Jacob Batch- 
en. Mr. Charles Doughty, who has been dead 
about 25 years, and was about S5 years of age 
when he died, said that this was an old house when 
he was a boy. Mrs. Rapalye, the mother of John 
Rapalye, whose property in Brooklyn was confis- 
cated during the Revolutionary war, says that this 
house was built by a family of the Remsens who 
came from Holland. E 

SOIL AND CLIMATE. 

The soil of this town appears to be mostly allu- 
vial, though some few primitive rocks are to be met 
with. Several years since, in digging a well on 
some of the highest gi-ound in Brooklyn, a hem- 
lock board was found at the depth of 8U feet, and 
again at the depth of 73 feet, oyster and clam shells 
were met with, which crumbled on being exposed 
to the air. 

The shores of Brooklyn, where they are not de- 
fended by wharves, are undergoing continual and 
rapid changes, in consequence of the velocity of the 
current in the East River. The tide rises here 
about 5 feet. 

There is very little doubt, but that Governor's 
Island was formerly connected with Bed Hook point, 
in this town. It is an established fact, that pre- 
vious to the Revolutionary contest, cattle were 
driven from Bed Hook to Governor's Island, 
which places at that time were only separated by a 
very narrow channel, which is called Buttermilk 
channel, and is now wide and deep enough to ad- 



8 



mit of the largest size of merchant vessels passing 
through. F 

The climate is very changeable, but cannot be 
called unhealthy. People in this town live to as 
great age, as in almost any other part of the United 
States; as instances of which, April, 1823, Mr. 
Tiebout died in this town, aged 100 years and In 
months. The same year, Mr. Schoonmaker died, 
aged 84 years: and in 1824, Mary Peterson, a 
colored woman died, aged 103 years. It is not an 
uncommon thing for the inhabitants to live beyond 
the " three score years and ten." 

This town has at different periods been visited by 
the yellow fever. Between July 10th and Septem- 
ber 10th, 1809, 28 persons died of that disease. — 
During the prevalence of the yellow fever in the 
city of New- York, in the summer of 1S22, seven per- 
sons died of that disease in Brooklyn. In the sum- 
mer of 1823, the yellow fever made its appearance 
in the village of Brooklyn, and nine persons fell 
victims to that dreadful pestilence, in the space of 
one month, during which time its ravages continued. 
Every year that this disease made its appearance 
amongst us, it could be distinctly traced to some for- 
eign cause; as, in 1809, it was brought in the ship 
Concordia, Captain Coffin, on board of which vessel 
the first case and death happened. In 1822, it was 
introduced from the city of New York — and in 1823, 
it was traced to two or three vessels which had ar- 
rived a short time previous from southern latitudes. 
Indeed the high and airy situation of Brooklyn al- 
most precludes the idea of its being engendered 
among us. 

ANCIENT GRANTS AND PATENTS. 

In the year 1(338, William Kieft, Director Gen- 
eral and Counsellor for their high mightinesses the 



States General, and his highness the Prince of 
Orange, granted to Abraham Rycken, a tract of 
land in the present town of Brooklyn." 

September 11, 1612, William Kieft, Director Gen- 
eral, &c, patented to Jan Manje, a piece or parcel 
of land containing 20 morgan, or 10 acres, in the 
town of Brooklyn. A copy of which patent is here- 
to annexed as a specimen of those ancient instru- 
ments : 

" By William Kieft, Director General and Coun- 
sellor, about the high and mighty Lords, the States 
General of the United Low Country, and his high- 
ness of Orange, and the Lords Commanders of the 
priviledged West India Company, residing in the 
New-Netherland, do ratify and declai-e by these 
presents, that we, upon the date hereinafter written, 
did give and grant to Jan Manje, a piece of land, 
greatly twenty morgan, stretching about south-east 
one hundred and ninety rods inward the woods, to- 
wards to Sassians maise land — long is the limits of 
the said maise land fifty rod, and then again to the 
water side, two hundred and twenty rod, about 
north north-west, well so northerly and along the 
strand or water side, seventy rod. Which above- 
said land is lying upon Long-Island, between An- 
dries Hudde and Claes Janse Ruyter. — With express 
conditions, &c. Dated at Fort Amsterdam, in the 
New-Netherland, the 11th day of September, 1612. 

WILLIAM KIEFT. 

By order of the Lord the Director General, and 
Counsellor of JSew-Netherland. 

Cornelius Vantienhoven, Sec'ry. 

January 29, 1652, Pieter Linde, having married 
the widow of Jan Manje, transported or sold the 



10 



above tract of land to Barent Janse. August 23, 
1674, before Nicasius de Sille, admitted Secretary 
of the Dutch towns appeared Jan Barentse, (' ) and 
Auke Janse, with Simon Hansen as Guardian of the 
other children of Barent Janse, deceased, "procur- 
ed by his wife Styntie Pieterse deceased, all living 
within the town of Midwout Fflaekbush," and de- 
clared that they transported the above tract of land 
to Dirck Janse Woertman. 

September 12, 1645, William Kieft, Director 
General, &c. patented to Andries Hudden, " a piece 
of land lying upon Long-Island against over the 
fort, lying to the south-west to Jan Manje," con- 
taining 37 morgan. December 10, 1051, "Pieter 
Oornelissen by virtue of a procuratie of Andries 
Hudden," for the consideration of 400 guilders, 
transported to Lodewyck Jongh the above tract. 
June 19, 1676, Lodewyck Jongh transported to 
Jeronimus de Rapalje, eight morgan of the above 
tract. February 12, 1679, Harmatie Jansen relict 
of Lodewyck Jongh, transported to Dirck Janse 
Woertman, 12 morgan of the above tract. May •'!, 
1685, " Dirck Janse Woertman, transported to the 
heirs of Jooris Dirckse, a small stroke off land lying 
at the east side off the highway being all the claime 
they can pretende by virtue off the abovesaid Pat- 
tent." 

September 30, 1645, William Kieft, Director 
General, &c, patented to Claes Janse, from Naer- 
der, a piece of land, containing 20 morgan, lying 
south-east, a little easterly, just over against the 
Fort, upon Long-Island. March 11, 1660, the 
above tract of land was transported by Claes Janse 

1. The custom of changing the names of sons, or rattier substituting 
the sur-names for the christian names, prevailed at this period, as in the 
above instance, the fathers name was Barent Janse, and the son was 
called Jan Barentse. 



11 



Ruyter, to Machiell Tadens, who transported the 
same to Machiell Hainielle. 

The three patents to Manje, PIndde, and Janse, 
from Naerder, were located near the Ferry in this 
town, and all subsequently were purchased by 
Derick Woortman, alias Dirck Janse Woertman, 
and were by him sold to Joras Remsen, on the loth 
day of October, 1706, for the sum of £612 10s. 
current money of New- York." 

There is great reason to believe that there was a 
General Patent of this town under the Dutch go- 
vernment, winch patent is now lost. What strength- 
ens this idea is, that the first by Governor Nicolls 
under the English is confirmatory of some former 
grant. 

August 10th, 1695. The Patentees and free- 
holders of this town sold unto Stephanus Van Cort- 
landt, the neck of land called Red Hook, contain- 
ing by estimation 50 acres ; which they state in 
their deed "was formerly given and granted to the 
town of Broocklyn, in the year 1657, by Governor 
Sttiyvesant, the Dutch Governor then at that time, 
and since confirmed by the English Governors, 
Governor Nicolls, and Governor Dongan." Which 
is very strong proof of there having been a general 
Dutch Patent for this town. 

October, 18, 1667. Richard Nicolls, the first En- 
glish Governor of New- York, granted to the inhab- 
itants of Brooklyn, the following full and ample 
patent, confirming them in their rights and privi- 
leges. 

L. S. " Richard Nicolls, Esq. Governor Gene- 
ral under his Royal Highness James Duke of Yorke 
and Albaiiy, ifcc. of all his Terretorys in Amer- 
ica, To all to whom these presents shall come, 
sendeth Greeting. — Whereas there is a certain town 



12 



within this government, situate, lying, and being in 
the West Riding of Yorkshire upon Long-Island, 
commonly called and known by the name of 
Breuckelen, which said town, is in the tenure or 
occupation of several freeholders and inhabitants 
who having heretofore been seated there by authori- 
ty, have been at very considerable charge, in man- 
uring and planting a considerable part of the lands 
belonging thereunto and settled a competent num- 
ber of families thereupon. Now for a confirmation 
unto the said freeholders and inhabitants in their 
possessions and enjoyment of the premises, Know 
ye, That by virtue of the commission and authority 
unto me given by his Royal Highness, I have giv- 
en, ratified, confirmed and granted, and by these 
presents, do give, ratify, confirm and grant, unto 
Jan Everts, Jan Damen, Albert Cornelissen, Paulus 
Veerbeeck, Michael Eneyl, Thomas Lamberts, 
Tuenis Guysbert Bogart and Joris Jacobson, as 
patentees, for and on the behalf of themselves and 
their associates, the freeholders and inhabitants of 
the said town their heirs successors and assigns, all 
that tract together with the several parcels of land 
which already have or hereafter shall be purchased 
or procured for and on behalf of the said town, 
whether from the native Indian proprietors, or 
others, within the bounds and limits hereafter set 
forth and exprest, viz. that is to say, the town is 
bounded westward on the farther side of the land 
of Mr. Paulus Veerbeck, from whence stretching 
south-east, they go over the hills, and so east- 
ward along the said hills to a south-east point 
which takes in all the lotts behind the swamp, from 
which said lotts the run north-west to the River ( 5 ) 

2. According to the New-York doctrine, this boundary of the town 
can only be correct when the tide is flood, for when the water is low, 
the town is bounded by property belonging to the Corporation of the 
City of New-York, and not by the River. 



13 



and extend to the farm, on the t'other side of the 
hill heretofore belonging to Hans Hansen over 
against the Kicke or Looke-ont, including within 
the said hounds and limitts all the lotts and planta- 
tions, lying and being at the Gowanis, Bedford, 
"Wallaboucht, and the ferry. — All which said par- 
cels and tracks of land and premises within the 
bounds and limitts aforementioned, described, and 
all or any plantation or plantations thereupon, from 
henceforth are to bee appertaine and belong to the 
said town of Breuckleu, Together with all havens, 
harbours, creeks, quarryes, woodland, meadow- 
ground, reed-land or valley of all sorts, j)astures, 
marshes, runs, rivers, lakes, hunting, fishing, hawk- 
ing, and fowling, and all other profitts, commodi- 
ties, emoluments, and hereditaments, to the said 
lands and premises within the bounds and limits all 
forth belonging, or in any wise appertaining, — and 
withall to have freedome of commonage for range 
and feed of cattle and horse into the woods as well 
without as within these bounds and limitts with the 
rest of their neighbours ( s ) — as also one-third part 
of a certain neck of meadow ground or valley call- 
ed Sellers neck, lying and being within the limits 
of the town of Jamaica, purchased by the said town 
of Jamaica from the Indians, and sold by them unto 
the inhabitants of Breuckleu aforesaid, as it has 
been lately laid out and divided by their mutual 
consent and my order, whereunto and from which 
they are likewise to have free egress and regress, 
as their occasions may require. ( 4 ) To have and 

(3) This town enjoyed this privilege in common with the other 
towns on Long-Island, and their cattle which ran at large were marked 
with the letter N. 

(4) At the annual town meeting, April, 1823, a committee was ap- 
pointed to inquire if this town at present, had any, and if any, what right 
to the above-mentioned tract of meadow ground called Sellers neck ; 
what progress this committee made in their investigation, the compiler 
is uninformed. This meadow called Seller's neck, the Compiler thinks 

■> 



14 



to hold all and singular the said tract and parcell 
of land, meadow ground or valley, commonage, 
hereditaments and premises, with their, and every 
of their appurtenances, and of every part and par- 
cell thereof to the said patentees and their associates, 
their heirs successors and assigns, to the proper 
use and behoof of the said patentees and their as- 
sociates, their heirs, successors and assigns forever. 
Moreover, I do hereby give, ratify, confirm and 
grant unto the said Patentees and their associates, 
their heirs, successors and assigns, all the rights and 
privileges belonging to a town within this go- 
vernment, and that the place of their present habit- 
ation shall continue and retain the name of Breuck- 
elen, by which name and stile it shall be distinguish- 
ed and known in all bargains and sales made by 
them the said Patentees and their associates, their 
heirs, successors and assigns, rendering and paying 
such duties and acknowledgments as now are, or 
hereafter shall be constituted and established by the 
laws of this government under the obedience of his 
Royal highness, his heirs and successors. Given 
under my hand and seal at Fort James, in New- 
York, on the Island of Manhattat, this 18th day of 
October, in the nineteenth year of the reign of our 
Sovereign Lord, Charles the second, by the grace 
of God, of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, 
King, Defender of the faith, &c. Annocnie Domini, 
1667. 

RICHARD NICOLLS. 
Recorded by order of the Governor, the day and 
year above written. 

MATTHIAS NICOLLS, Sec'ry. 

was apportioned anions the patentees and freeholders, and what leads 
him to this conclusion is, that on the 10th of May, 1695, John Damen, 
who was one of the patentees of this town, sold ;0 William Uuddlestone 
all his interest in the said meadow. 



15 



1670. The inhabitants of this town desirous of 
enlarging the bounds of their common lands, and 
extinguishing the Indian claim to the same, applied 
to Governor Lovelace, and obtained from him the 
following permission to purchase of the Indians. 

" L. S. Whereas the inhabitants of Breucklyn, 
in the west Hiding of Yorkshire upon Long-Island, 
who were seated there in a township by the author- 
ity then in being, and having bin at considerable 
charges in clearing ffencing and manuring their 
land, as well as building ffor their convenience, 
have requested my lycense for their further security 
to make purchase of the said land of some Indians 
wlio lav claim and interest therein; These are to 
certify all whom it may concerne, that I have and 
doe hereby give the said inhabitants lycense to pur- 
chase their land according to their request, the said 
Indians concerned appearing before me as in the 
law is required, and making their acknowledg- 
ments to be fully satisfyed and paid for the same. 
Given under my hand and seal at ffort James, in 
New-Yorke, this ffirst day of May, in the 22nd 
yeareof his Majestvies reigne, Annoque Dom. 1670. 
" FFKANC1S LOVELACE." 

The purchase was accordingly made and the fol- 
lowing is a copy of a deed from the Indians for 
the same. 

"To all people to whom this present writing shall 
come, Peter, Elmohar, Job, Makaquiquos, and 
Shamese, late of Staten-Island send Greeting; 
Whereas, they the said Peter, Elmohar, Job. Maka- 
quiquos, and Shamese, afore-mentioned, doe lay 
claime to the land now in the tenure and occupa- 
tion of some of the inhabitants of Breucklyn, as well 
as other lands there adjascent as the true Indian 



16 



owners and proprietors thereof, Know Yee, that for 
and in consideration of a certaiue sum of wampum 
and diverse other goods, the which in the Schedule 
annext are exprest unto the said Sachems in hand 
payed by Monsieur Machiell Ilainelle, Thomas Lam- 
bertse, John Lewis, and Peter Darmantier, on the 
behalf of themselves and the inhabitants of Breuck- 
lyn, the receipt whereof they doe hereby acknow- 
ledge, and themselves to be fully satisfyed and 
payed therefor ; have given, granted, bargained 
and sold, and by these presents doe fully, freely, 
and absolutely give, grant, bargain and sell, unto 
the said Monsieur Machiell Ilainelle, Thomas Lam- 
bertse, John Lewis and Peter Darmantier, ffor and 
on behalf of themselves, and the inhabitants afore- 
said, their heyrs and successors ; all that parcell of 
land and tract of land, in and about Bedford, with- 
in the jurisdiction of Brucklyn, beginning ffrom 
Hendrick Van Aarnhems land by a swamp of water 
and stretching to the hills, then going along the 
hills to the port or entrance thereof,( 5 ) and soe to 
Rockaway ftoot path as their purchase is more par- 
ticularly sett fforth ; To have and to hold all the 
said parcell and tract of land and premises within 
the limits before described unto the said Monsieur 
Machiell Hainelle, Thomas Lambertse, John Lew- 
is, and Peter Darmantier, ffor and on the behalf of 
the inhabitants aforesaid, their heyres, and success- 
ors, to the proper -use and behooff of the said in- 
habitants, their heyres and successors forever; in 
witness whereof the partyes to these presents have 
hereunto sett their hands and seales, this 14th day 
of May, in the 22nd yeare of his Majestyes reigne, 
Annoque Dom. 1670. 

(5) This "port or entrance," as it is called, is situate in the valley 
on the Flatbush Turnpike, near the "Brush" or "Valley Tavern," 
and a short distance beyond the 3 mile post from Brooklyn ferry. — A 
freestone monument has been placed here, to designate the patent line 
between Brooklyn and Flatbush. 



17 



Sealed and Delivered in the presence of Mathias 
Nicolls, R. Lough, Samuel § Davies, John Gar- 
land, his marke 

The mark of ~j> Peter, (l. s.) 

The mark of o Elinohar, (l. s.) 

The mark of n Job, (l. s.) 

The mark of - Makaipiiquos, (l. s.) 
The mark of 7 Shamese, (l. s.) 

"This Deed was acknowledged by the within 
written Sachems, before the Governor in the pre- 
sence of us, the day and year within written. 

MATHIAS NICOLLS, Secretary. 
The Mark of § SAMUEL DAVIES. 
" Recorded by order of the Governor, 

MATHIAS NICOLLS, Secretary. 

The Inventory, or Schedule referred to in the Deed. 

"The payment agreed upon ffor the purchase of 
the land in and about Bedford, within the jurisdic- 
tion of Breucklyn, conveyed this day by the Indian 
Sachems, proprietors, is, viz. 

100 Guilders Seawant, 
Half a tun of strong Beer, 

2 half tuns of good beer, 

3 Guns, long barrells, with each a pound of pow- 
der, and lead proportionable — 2 bars to a gun, 

4 match coates." 

May 13, 1686. Governor Dongan granted to 
the inhabitants of Brooklyn the following conhr- 
matatory patent : 

L. S. "Thomas Dongan, Lieutenant Gover- 
nor, and Vice Admiral of New- York, and its de- 

2* 



18 



pendencies under his Majesty James the Second, by 
the grace of God, of England, Scotland, France 
and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. — 
Supreme lord and proprietor of the Colony and 
province of New- York and its dependencies in 
America, &c. To all to whom this shall come send- 
eth greeting, whereas the Honorable Richard Nic- 
olls, Esq. formerly Governor of this province, did 
by his certain writing or patent under his hand and 
seal, bearing date the eighteenth day of October, 
Annoque Domini, one thousand six hundred and 
sixty-seven, ratifie, confirm and grant unto Jan 
Everts, Jan Dainen, Albert Coruelissen, Paul us 
Verbeeck, Michael Enyle, Thomas Lamberts, Tu- 
nis Gisberts Bogart, and Joris Jacobsen, as paten- 
tees for and on behalf of themselves and their as- 
sociates, the freeholders and inhabitants of the town 
of Breucklen, their heirs, successors, and assigns 
forever, a certain tract of land, together with the 
several parcels of land which then were or thereaf- 
ter should be purchased or procured for and on be- 
half of the said town, whether from the native Indi- 
an proprietors, or others within the bounds and 
limitts therein sett forth and expressed, that is to 
say, the said town is bounded westward on the fur- 
ther side of the land of Mr. Paulus Verbeeck, from 
whence stretching south-east they go over the hills, 
and so eastward along by the said hills to a south- 
east point, which takes in all the lotts behind the 
swamp, from which said lotts they run north-west 
to the River, and extend to the farm on the other 
side of the hills heretofore belonging to Hans Han- 
sen, over against Keak or Look-out, including with- 
in the said bounds and limitts all the lots and plan- 
tations, lying and being at the Gauwanes, Bedford, 
"Wallabocht and the ferry, all which said parcells 
and tract of land and premises within the bounds 



19 



and lhnitts aforementioned described, and all or 
any plantation or plantations thereupon, from 
henceforth are to be, appertain and belong to the 
said town of Breucklyn, Together with all harbour, 
havens, creeks, quarries, woodland, meadow ground, 
reed land or valley of all sorts, pastures, marshes, 
waters, rivers, lakes, fishing, hawking, hunting, 
fowling, and all other profits, commodities, emolu- 
ments and hereditaments to the said lands and pre- 
mises within the bounds and limitts set forth, be- 
longing or in any wise appertaining, and with all 
to have freedom of commonage for range and feed 
of cattle and horses, into the woods with the rest of 
their neighbours, as also one third part of a certain 
neck of meadow ground or valley, called Seller's 
neck, lying and being within the town of Jamaica, 
purchased by the said town of Jamaica from the 
Indians, and sold by them unto the inhabitants of 
Breucklen aforesaid, as it was laid out aforesaid, 
and divided by their mutual consent and order of 
the Governor. To have and to hold unto them the 
said patentees and their associates, their heirs, suc- 
sessors and assigns forever, as by the said patent 
reference being thereunto had, doth, fully and at 
large appear. And further, in and by the said pat- 
ent, the said Governor, Richard Nicolls, Esq. did 
erect the said tract of land into a township by the 
name of Breucklen aforesaid, by that name" and 
style to be distinguished and known in all bargains, 
sales, deeds, records and writings whatsoever, and 
whereas the present inhabitants and freeholders of 
the town of Breucklen aforesaid, have made their 
application to me for a confirmation of the aforesaid 
tract of land and premises in their quiet and peace- 
able possession and enjoyment of the aforesaid land 
and premises. Now Know Ye, That I, the said 
Thomas Bongan, by virtue of the commission and 



20 



authority derived unto me, and power in me resid- 
ing, have granted, ratified and confirmed, and by 
these presents do grant, ratifie and confirm, unto 
Tennis Gysberts, Thomas Lamberts, Peter Jansen, 
Jacobus Vander Water, Jan Dame, Joris Jacobs, 
Jeronimus Rapalle, Daniel Rapalle, Jan Jansen, 
Adrian Bennet, and Michael Hanse, for aud on the 
behalf of themselves and the rest of the present free- 
holders and inhabitants of the said town of Breuck- 
len, their heirs and assigns forever, all and singu- 
lar the afore-recited tract and parcels of land set 
forth, limited and bounded as aforesaid ; together 
with all and singular, the houses, messuages, tene- 
ments, fencings, buildings, gardens, orchards, trees, 
woods, underwoods, pastures, feedings, common of 
pasture, meadows, marshes, lakes, ponds, creeks, 
harbors, rivers, rivulets, brooks, streams, highways 
and easements whatsoever, belonging or in any wise 
appertaining to any of the afore-recited tract or par- 
cells of land and divisions, allotments, settlements 
made and appropriated before the day and date 
hereof. To Have and To Hold, all and singular, 
the said tract or parcels of land and premises, with 
their, and every of their appurtenances unto the 
said Tunis Gysberts, Thomas Lamberts, Peter Jan- 
sen, Jacobus Vender Water, Joris Jacobs, Jeroni- 
mus Rappalle, Daniel Rappalle, Jan Jansen, Adri- 
an Bennet and Michael Hanse, for and on behalf of 
themselves and the present freeholders and inhabit- 
ants of the town of Breucklen, their and every of 
their heirs and assigns forever, as tenants in com- 
mon without any let, hindrance, molestation, right 
of survivorship or otherwise, to be holden in free 
and common socage according to the tenure of East 
Greenwich, in the county of K_eut, in his Majesty's 
kingdom of England. Yielding, rendering and 
paying therefor yearly, and every year, on the five 



21 

and twentyeth day of March, forever, in lieu of all 
services and demands whatsoever, as a quit rent to 
his most sacred Majesty aforesaid, the heirs and suc- 
cessors, at the city of -New-York, twenty bushels of 
good merchantable wheat. In testimony whereof, 
I have caused these presents to be entered and re- 
corded in the Secretary's office, and the seal of the 
Province to be hereunto affixed this thirteenth day 
of May, Anno. Domini, one thousand six hundred 
and eighty-six, and in the second year of his Ma- 
jesty's reign. 

THOMAS DONGAN." 

Quit rents to the following amounts and at the 
following periods have been paid on the Brooklyn 
patents. 

June 8, 1713. Paid to Benjamin Van de Water, 
Treasurer, the sum of £90 7s Id. for upwards of 
16 years quit rent. 

April 6, 1775. Charles Debevoice, Collector of 
the town of Brooklyn, paid to the Receiver Gener- 
al of the Colony of New-York, 20 bushels of wheat, 
for one year's quit rent, due from said town. 

November 9 , 1786. Fernandus Suydam, and 
Charles C. Doughty, two of the Trustees of the 
town of Brooklyn, paid to the Treasurer of the 
State of New-York, the sum of £105 10s. in full 
for arrears of quit rent due from the said town. 

Town Eights and Ferries. 

The difference between this town and the city of 
New- York relative to the water rights of the for- 
mer, has deservedly excited the attention and inter- 
est of our inhabitants, as involving property to a 
great amount, and unj ustly witholding from our town 
a revenue which would enable it to improve with 
almost unparalleled rapidity. In order that each 



22 



person so interested may form a correct opinion of 
the subject matter in dispute, the Compiler has 
thought proper, under this head, to lay before them 
the foundations of the claims on both sides of the 
question. 

October 18, 1667. In the reign of Charles 2d. 
Richard Nicolls, Esq. Governor General of the 
Province of New-York, under his Royal Highness 
James, the Duke of York, &c. afterwards James 2d. 
of England, granted to the inhabitants of this town 
a confirmatory patent, acknowledging that they 
were rightfully, legally and by authority in posses- 
sion of the property and privileges they then enjoy- 
ed. The patent after naming the patentees, and 
describing the bounds of the town, and binding by 
the River and not by high water mark, proceeds to 
say, "Together with all havens, harbors, creeks, 
marshes, waters, rivers, lakes, fisheries." " More- 
over, I do hereby give, ratify and confirm unto the 
said patentees and their associates, their heirs, suc- 
cessors and assigns, all the rights and privileges be- 
longing to a town within this government." Un- 
der this patent the town of Brooklyn justly claims 
the land between high and low water mark on their 
shore, in opposition to the claims of the Corpora- 
tion of the city of New- York : and an equal right 
with them to erect ferries between the town of 
Brooklyn and the city of New-York. 

It does not appear that there was any adverse 
claim on the part of New-York, until the 27th of 
April, 16S6, nineteen years after the date of the 
Brooklyn patent, when the Corporation of New- 
1 ork obtained a charter from Governor Dongan, 
by which the ferries were granted to them, but not 
a word mentioned about the land between high and 
low water mark on the Brooklyn side. From the 
reading of this charter it appears as if the Gover- 



23 



nor was doubtful as to his right even to grant the 
ferry, for it contains an express saving of all the 
rights of all other persons, bodies politic and cor- 
porate, their heirs, successors and assigns, in as 
ample a manner, as if that charter had not been 
made. 

May 13, 1686, The freeholders and inhabitants 
of Brooklyn somewhat apprehensive of encroach- 
ments by 'New-York, obtained from Governor Don- 
gan, a patent under the seal of the Colony, fully 
confirming that granted them by Governor Nicolls. 

May 6, 1691. An act was passed by the Gover- 
nor, Council and General Assembly of the Colony 
of New- York, " for settling, quieting and confirm- 
ing unto the cities, towns, manors, and freeholders 
within this Province, their several grants, patents, 
and rights respectively." By T this act the freehold- 
ers and inhabitants of the town of Brooklyn were 
confirmed in the rights they possessed and enjoyed 
under their two several patents. 

October 12, 1694. The Corporation of New- 
York, not thinking their foothold on the Brooklyn 
side sufficiently secure, purchased of one William 
Morris, for no specific consideration, a piece of land 
in Brooklyn near the ferry. This deed is the 
foundation of the Corporation claim to their land 
in the village of Brooklyn. A copy of which will 
be found in the appendix marked with the letter A. 

Bent on unjustly wresting from the town of 
Brooklyn their water right, the Corporation on the 
19th of April, 1708, obtained from Governor Corn- 
bury, a man infamous for his vices, and disregard 
of justice, another charter, in which they came out 
more openly than before, and claimed the vacant 
land to high water mark, on Nassau Island, reserv- 
ing to the inhabitants of Brooklyn the right of trans- 
porting themselves in their own boats ferriage free, 



24 



to and from New-York. ( 6 ) By this charter, no 
matter how ample soever they might have consider- 
ed it at the time, they obtained nothing but vacant 
land to high water mark ; that is the land which 
was not already granted, and in the possession of 
some other person or persons, which was not the 
fact as to the land on the Brooklyn side, it being 
vested in the patentees, their heirs, successors and 
assigns forever; so that the only power or authority 
remaining in the Governor, was to grant the Cor- 
poration of New- York, the privilege of buying the 
water rights of the inhabitants of Brooklyn. But 
that would not answer their purpose, for those rights 
could be bought cheaper of Governor Cornbury, 
than they could of this town. 

This proceeding on the part of New-York stim- 
ulated the inhabitants of Brooklyn to obtain from 
the Colonial Legislature in 1721, an act confirming 
their patent rights. 

To obviate the effects of this law, and strengthen 
the charter of Cornbury, which from the circum- 
stances under which it was obtained, the Corpora- 
tion feared was invalid, on the 15th of January, 
1730, they procured from Governor John Montgo- 
merie, a new charter confirming their pretended 
right to the land to high water mark on our shore-C) 

(6) Although the hounds of this grant commence ahout 250 yards in 
the town of 1'ushwick, the Corporation of Xew-York have made no 
claim to land beyond the Wallabuught. 

(7) There was some peculiar circumstances attending tbe consumma- 
tion of this charter, which the Compiler thinks ought to be known. A 
short time previous to obtaining the charter, the Common Council of 
the Citv of Xew-York resolved that the sum of /.1400 was necessary for 
tbe procuring of that instrument ; £1000 of which sum they determined 
to raise immediately by a loan on interest for one year: which they 
accordingly did, and gave a mortgage for that amount to James de Lan- 
cey, E<q. dated January 14, 1730. Directly after the execution of this 
mortgage tbey resolved to address the Uovernor, " for tbe great favour 
and goodness* shewn to this Corporation in granting their petition, in 
ordering and direc ing his Majesty's letters patent for a new charter and 
confirmation to this Corporation," and probably informing him that tbey 



25 

The grants from the Corporation of New- York, 
under their two charters for the water lots on the 
Brooklyn side, are very artfully and ingeniously 
drawn. By those grants are only conveyed "all 
the estate, right, title, interest, property, claim, and 
demand whatsoever, in law and equity" of them the 
said Corporation ; and their covenant for quiet pos- 
session only extends to them and their successors, 
and not against any other persons lawfully claiming 
the premises. These grants, in order to save the 
Corporation harmless against the claims of Brook- 
lyn, also contained a covenant to the following ef- 
fect : " It is hereby covenanted, granted and agreed 
upon by and between the parties to these presents 
(that is, the Corporation of New- York and the per- 
son to whom they give the grant,) and the true 
intent and meaning hereof also is, and it is hereby 
declared, that this present grant, or any words, or 
anything in the same expressed, or contained shall 
not be adjudged, deemed, construed or taken to be a 
covenant or covenants on the part and behalf of the 
said parties of the first part, (that is, the Corpora- 
tion of New- York) or their successors for any pur- 
pose or purposes whatsoever, but only to pass the 
estate, right, title, and interest, they have or may 
lawfully claim by virtue of their several charters, of 
in and to the said premises." Which covenant 
evidently shews a want of confidence in the validity 
of their title on the part of the Corporation. 

October 14, 1732. An act was passed by the Gen- 
eral Assembly of this Colony, " confirming unto 

had obtained the money. The consequence was, that on the next day, 
January 1 j, 1730, thf* charter was completed ; and on paying the £1000 
was delivered to them on the 11th day of February, 1730, almost a 
month after its dite. By which it appears that the Corporation of Xew- 
York still continued purchasing the right of the town of Brooklyn from 
the Colonial Governors. See list of Corporation Charters and grants, 
1747. 

3 



26 



the City of New-York its rights and privileges." 
By this act no addition was made to their former 

pretended rights. 

November 14, 1753. The freeholders and inhab- 
itants of this town appointed Jacobus Lefferts, Pe- 
ter Vandervoort, Jacob Remsen, Rem Remsen, and 
Nicholas Vechte, Trustees, " to defend our patent 
where in any manner our liberties, privileges and 
rights in our patents specified is encroached, lessen- 
ed or taken away by the commonalty of the city 
of New- York." A copy of the proceeding of the 
town meeting at which the above trustees were elect- 
ed will be found in the appendix marked B. 

Not satistied with the encroachments they had 
made, the Corporation began to question the right 
of the inhabitants of Brooklyn to cross to and from 
New- York ferriage free in their own boats, ami to 
carry over the inhabitants in those boats ; — the re- 
sult was, that in July, 1745, a suit was commenced 
by one of the inhabitants of Brooklyn, named Ilen- 
ilrick Remsen, against the Corporation of New- 
York, which was tried before a jury in Westchester 
county. A special verdict was found setting forth 
all its patents and charters, and among other things, 
that the road from which the said Hendrick Rem- 
sen ferried the inhabitants of Brooklyn to and from 
New- York, " then and loug before was laid out for 
a public highway leading down to low water mark 
on the East River between the places aforesaid call- 
ed the Wallaboucht and the Red Hook on Nassau 
Island, and the jurors aforesaid upon their oath 
aforesaid, do further say, that the River called the 
East River, over which the said Hendrick did carry 
the persons and goods aforesaid, from the said lands 
between the Wallabocht and the Red Hook, is a 
large and public and navigable river used by his 
Majesty's ships and other ships and smaller vessels 



27 



employed in trade and commerce, and hath always 
been so used from the first settlement of this Colo- 
ly." On argument judgment was rendered by the 
Supreme Court of this Colony in the month of Oc- 
tober, 1775, in favour of Ilendrick Eemsen, that 
lie recover his damages against the Mayor, Alder- 
men and Commonalty of the city of New- York, and 
the sum of one hundred and eighteen pounds, four- 
teen shillings and ten pence half penny for his costs 
and charges. An appeal to the King and Council 
from this decision, was brought by the Corporation, 
which was not determined in consequence of the 
Revolutionary war. There is a tradition in this 
town that the Corporation of New- York were so 
apprehensive of this claim on the part of the town 
of Brooklyn, that in order to disengage Ilendrick 
Eemsen from the interest of the town, they gave 
him a house and lot of land near Coenties Slip, in 
the city of New- York. How far this tradition is 
correct, the Compiler is unable to say. — It appears 
however, that he about that time became in posses- 
sion of such property, and the same remained in his 
family within the memory of some of our inhabit- 
ants. 

Our two Patents are confirmed by the Constitu- 
tion of this State, which confirms all grants of land 
within the State, made by the authority of the King 
of Great Britain or his predecessors, prior to the 
14th of August, 1775. 

The Compiler thinking it would not be uninter- 
esting to his fellow citizens to see a statement of the 
amount received by the Corporation of New- York 
for quit rent on the water lots claimed by them, has 
given the following short statement. 

The Commissioners of the Sinking Fund of the 
City of New- York have received, from August 23d, 
1813, to Dec. 31, 1824. 



28 



For Water lot rents, $17,635 24 

Commutation for water lot rents, 17,275 41 



$34,910 65 



The Corporation of New- York during the pre- 
sent year 1824, have received for water lot rents 
the sum of $8,862 97 

Within a short time the jurisdiction of the village 
of Brooklyn has been extended beyond low water 
mark, leaving the pretended right of soil still in the 
Corporation of New- York. ( 8 ) August term, 1821, 
in the case of Udall vs. the Trustees of Brooklyn, 
the Supreme Court of this State decided that Kings 
County, of which the village of Brooklyn is part, 
includes all the wharves, docks, and other artificial 
erections in the East River, opposite to the City of 
New -York, though west of the natural low water 
mark on the Nassau or Long-Island shore ; and the 
jurisdiction of the village extends to the actual line 
of low water, whether formed by natural or artifi- 
cial means. Same term, in the case of Stryker vs. 
the Mayor, Arc. of the city of New- York, the Su- 
preme Court decided that the city and county of 
New-York includes the whole of the Rivers and 
harbour adjacent to actual low water mark, on the 
opposite shores, as the same may be formed, from 
time to time, by docks, wharves and other perma- 
nent erections ; and although the jurisdiction of the 
city does not extend so as to include such wharves, 
or artificial erections, yet it extends over the ships 
and vessels floating on the water, though they be 
fastened to such wharves or docks. 

(8) The jurisdiction of New-York by their first charter in 1686, was 
limited to low water mark around Manhattan Island ; hut was extended 
to low water maik on the Brooklyn side by Governor Montgomery's 
charter in 1730. 



29 

April 9, 1824. The Legislature of the State of 
New- York in the act to amend the act entitled "an 
Act to incorporate and vest certain powers in the 
freeholders and inhabitants of the village of Brook- 
lyn in the County of Kings," granted this town 
concurrent jurisdiction with the City of New- York 
in the service of process, in actions civil and cri- 
minal, on hoard of vessels attached to our wharves ; 
and in the act tor the establishment of a Board of 
Health in the village of Brooklyn, authority is giv- 
en to the said Board to remove all infected vessels 
from the wharves within the said village. 

The ferries have been unavoidably, in some de- 
gree, taken into consideration when speaking of 
our town rights. The compiler will therefore con- 
tine himself to such historical facts, and laws, and 
such proceedings, passed and had by the Colonial 
ami State legislatures as may relate particularly to 
them. 

During the early years of this Colony, the old ferry 
was from near the foot of Joralemon-street, to the 
Breede Graft, now Broad-street, in the City of New- 
York. At that period a creek ran through the mid- 
dle of Broad-street, up which the boats ascended to 
a ferry-house which is still standing. 1 At this time 
it is difficult to ascertain the exact period when the 
old ferry was established at its present situation on 
the Brooklyn side. In li>97, John Aeresen was 
ferry master. 

It appears from the following order, that the 
Court of Sessions of Kings County, exercised some 
authority over the ferry between Brooklyn and 
New- York. October 7, 1690. " Whereas much in- 
convenience does arise by several negroes coming 
on this Island from New- York and other places, 
and from this Island to New-York. It is ordered, 

3* 



30 



that the ferrymen shall not bring or set over any 
negroes or slaves upon the Sabbath day, without a 
ticket from their masters." 

Acts have been passed by the Colonial and State 
legislatures for the purpose of regulating the ferries 
between this town and the City of New- York, in the 
following chronological order : 

November 2d, 1717, an act was passed, which 
was revived in the year 1726, and again in 1727. 
( (ctober 1-1, 1732. Another act was passed for the 
same purpose. By this act it was provided, " That 
the ferryman for the time being, shall not impose, 
exact, demand, or receive any rates or ferriage for 
any goods or things whatsoever, transported by any 
of the inhabitants living alongst the River, at or 
near the Ferry on Nassau-Island, in their own boats 
or canoes." provided that the same be their own 
goods or commodities. This act continued in force 
until the 28th of February, 1789, when another act 
was passed regulating the ferriage, and containing 
a similar proviso. April 9, 1813. The last men- 
tioned law was re-enacted, with the same provision. 

The winter previous to the prosecution of the suit 
between Ilendrick Remsen, and the Corporatiun of 
the City of New- York, the inhabitants of Brooklyn 
made an attempt to obtain from the Colonial legis- 
lature, a further confirmation of some of their rights, 
particularly relating to the terry ; on which appli- 
cation the following proceedings were had. 

January 30, 1745 — 6. In General Assembly, a 
petition of the Trustees of the town of Brookland, 
in Kings County, in behalf of themselves, and the 
freeholders and inhabitants of the said township, 
was presented to the House and read, setting forth, 
That a great number of the inhabitants of the said 
township, living near the ferry from Nassau-Island 
to New-York, and having their chief dependence 



31 



of supporting their families by trading to the New- 
York markets, are by one act of the General As- 
sembly, entitled, an act to regulate the ferry between 
the City of New- York and tbe Island of Nassau, 
and to establish the ferriage thereof, passed in the 
sixth year of his Majesty's reign, debarred from 
transporting their goods in their own vessels, to the 
said markets, which exposes them to very great 
hardships, difficulties and expences, and therefore 
humbly praying that they may have leave to bring 
in a bill to relieve them from the aforesaid hard- 
ships, rpon a motion of Major Van Home, (of 
New- York) ordered, that the Clerk of this house 
serve the Corporation of the City of New- York, 
with a copy of the said petition forthwith. 

In General Assembly, April 12, 1746, Mr. Abra- 
ham Lott, according to leave, presented to the 
house, a bill entitled, " an act to repeal an act there- 
in mentioned, so far as it relates to the freeholders 
and inhabitants of the township of Brooklyn, in 
Kings County, within this colony ; " which was 
read the first time, and ordered a second reading. — 
Ordered, that the Corporation of the City of New- 
York, be served with a copy of the said bill. 

April 18, 1746. In General Assembly. The 
bill entitled, an act to repeal an act therein men- 
tioned, so far as it relates to the freeholders and in- 
habitants of the township of Brooklyn, in Kings 
County, within this colony, being offered to be read 
a second time, Capt. Richards (of New- York) mov- 
ed, that the second reading of the said bill might 
be deferred until the next meeting of the House, af- 
ter the first day of June next ; which was agreed to 
by the House and ordered accordingly. 

June 20, 1746. In General Assembly. A peti- 
tion of the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty, of 
the City of New- York, was presented to the Hoiise 



32 



and read, setting forth, That the Corporation hav- 
ing been served with a copy of a liill now before 
this Honse, entitled, an act to repeal an act therein 
mentioned, so far as it relates to the freeholders and 
inhabitants of the township of Brooklyn, in Kings 
County, within this colony; do conceive that the 
passing the said Bill into a law, may affect their 
ancient rights and freehold, and therefore humbly 
praying that they may be heard by their Counsel 
against the said bill, at the bar of this House, on 
Friday next, ordered, that the Trustees of the town- 
ship of Brooklyn, lie heard by their counsel in sup- 
port of the said liill. at the bar of this house, on 
Friday next, and that Mr. William Smith appear 
for them. Ordered, that the Clerk of this house 
serve the parties with a copy of these orders forth- 
with. 

Jnne 27, 1746. In General Assembly. The 
House being informed, that the Corporation of the 
( lity of New-York were attending with their coun- 
sel to be heard against the Bill ; and that the Trus- 
trees of the township of Brooklyn, were also attend- 
ing with their Counsel to be heard in support of the 
said liill ; both parties were called in, and the coun- 
sel on both >iile^ having been fully heard, for and 
against the said Bill, they were directed to with- 
draw; and the Bill being read the second time, the 
question was put, — whether the said Bill should lie 
committed, and carried in the affirmative in the 

manner following : Affirmative. Messrs. Lott, 

Chambers, Stillwell, Livingston, Harring, Cornell. 
Abraham Lott, Lecount. Bradt, Nicoll, Harden- 
bergh, and Gale 12. — Negative, Messrs. Richards, 
Cruger, Clarkson. Van Home, Philipse, Morris, 
Verplank, ami Thomas, 8. 

July 1. 1710. In General Assembly, the engross 
ed Biil entitled, an act to repeal an act therein men- 



tionedj so far as it relates to the freeholders and in- 
habitants of the township of Brooklyn, in Kings 
County, within this colony, was read the third time, 
and upon Mr. Speaker's putting the question, whe- 
ther the Iiill should pass, a motion was made by 
Col. Morris in the word? following, viz. — As this 
Bill has been already ordered to be engrossed, by 
a majority of the House, and the question that now 
i> put i>. whether this Bill shall pass ; I must beg 
leave to give my reasons fur opposing its passage. 
The first is. it is alledged by this hill that the peo 
pie of Brooklyn had a right, prior to the act pass- 
ed in the year 1732, which was not proved, nor at- 
tempted upon the hearing before this house ; but if 
we |ia^ this Bill, we allow that right to be proved, 
and then it becomes our allegation, which I con- 
ceive, inconsistent with the honor and justice of this 
house, to alledge any thing in such a case, but what 
has been proved. The second is. it implies that 
the act in 1732, took away unjustly, a right from 
the people of Brooklyn, that they were entitled to. 
Thirdly, it implies, that the house have fixed tin.' 
two points before mentioned, ami then it will ne- 
cessarily follow, that we have considered the rights 
of the Corporation ,(') as well as those of the peo- 
ple of Brooklyn ; that we have not, I appeal to the 
house, who must allow, that no such right ever ap- 
peared to us, at least as a House, and for us to de- 
clare certain facts by a Bill, which has never been 
proved, will be doing, what I conceive, we ought 
not to do, if we make justice and equity the rule of 
our conduct. For these reasons, I move, that the 
Bill may be rejected. The question being put 

(9) For what purpose was it, that the Corporation's Counsel was 
beard at the bar of the House, if not to advance and support their right.'? 
If it was not done at that time, the plain inference would he, that they 
were aware they had no right. 



34 



thereon it was carried in the negative, in the man- 
ner following, viz. For the negative, Messrs. 

Chambers, Lott, Cornell, Hardenbergh, A. Lott, 
Bradt, Leconnt, Gale, and Harring, 9. Affirma- 
tive, Messrs. Cruger, Morris, Richards. Van Home, 
Clarkson, Yerplank, Philipse, and Thomas, 8. 

Resolved, That the Bill do pass. Ordered, that 
Colonel Harring, and Mr. Hardenbergh do carry 
the Bill to the Council and desire their concurrence. 
By which it a] 'pears that it was considered by the 
House, as well as subsequently by the Supreme 
Court, that the right of the town was sufficiently 
proved, notwithstanding the assertions of Colonel 
Morris. 

This Bill by some rru 9am$ was stifled in the Coun- 
cil. i 1 ") and never became a law. 

During the Revolution the < >ld ferry was kept by 
Messrs. Van Winkle, and Bukett ; at which period 
the usual charge for crossing was six pence for each 
passenger. 

August 1, 1795. Tlie ferry from the foot of Main- 
street, Brooklyn, to the foot of Catharine-street, 
New- York, commonly called the New ferry, was 
established by Messrs. William Furmau and Theo- 
dosius Hunt. Lessees from the Corporation of tin- 
City of New-York. 

In consequence of the prevalence of the Yellow 
fever in Brooklyn, in the month of August, 1809, 
the old ferry was removed to the foot of Joralemoii 
street, and the boats plied from there to Whitehall, 
New-T: ork. 

On the 4th day of March, 1814. The legisla- 
ture of this State passed an act allowing William 



(10) The Council was appointed by the King's mandamus and sign 
manual, and all their privileges and powers were contained in the Go- 
vernor's instructions. The tenure of their places was extremely preca- 
rious. See Smith's History of New-York, p. 36J. 



35 



Cutting ami others his associates, to charge four 
cents for cadi passenger crossing in the Steam boal 
to he by them placed on the Old ferry. Previous 
to this, the tare was two cents for each passenger. 
May, 1814, the Steam boat commenced plying on 
the old ferrv between Brooklyn and New- York. 

This Ferry Company derive their interest in the 
old or Fulton ferry, from a lease executed January 
24th, 1814, by the Mayor. Aldermen and Common- 
alty of the City of New- York, to Robert Fulton 
and William Cutting. The rent reserved by the 
Corporation on this lease is $4000 per annum for 
the first L8 years, and s4.">0(> per annum for the re- 
maining 7 years.! 11 ) It is a difficult matter to 
speak correctly of the present income of this ferry. 
At its first establishment the dividends were made 
on a capita] estimated at $45,000, divided into 
shares of $1000 each, and were made at the rate of 
5 per cent, for six months and what remained after 
this 5 per cent, taken out, formed the surplus divi- 
dend. From May 1814, to November 1815, the 
regular dividends on one share amounted to $157 
11£, and during the same period the surplus divi- 
dend amounted to $228 2l|-, making a dividend of 
$385 33, on one share for about 18 months equal 
to about 25 per cent, per annum. 

At the Session of the Legislature in the winter 
of IMS, the Corporation of New-York presented 
a petition praying that they might have the re- 
gulation of the rates of ferriage between this town 
and the city of New- York — against which the Trus- 
tees of the village of Brooklyn, and the inhabitants 
of this town strongly remonstrated, stating that 
" they had full confidence that the Legislature of 

(11) The Corporation of New-York, during the year 1824, have re- 
ceived from the ferries the sum of D12 003 75 — more than 3-4ths of 
which sum is from the ferries on the East River. 



36 



this state would never increase the rates of ferriage, 
nor permit the same to be increased, beyond what 
is necessary to support the ferries in the best man- 
ner ; they therefore prayed that the Legislature 
would not surrender to the Corporation of New- 
York a right, which had been reserved by the Legis- 
lature, and which the petitioners deemed of the 
greatest importance to the inhabitants of Nassau- 
Island." 

ROADS AND PUBLIC LANDING PLACES. 

This town appears to have entered early into the 
contest respecting roads. There are many instan- 
ces on record previous to l<>t>3, of the Constable of 
Brooklyn being ordered to repair the roads, and 
in case of neglect, fined; and in one instance he war- 
ordered by the Court not to depart until further 
order. 

The main road, or as part of it is now called. 
Fulton-street, in the village of Brooklyn, was laid 
out March 28th, 17<»4. by Joseph Hageman, Peter 
Cortelyou, and Benjamin Vandewater, Commissi- 
oners, appointed by an act of the General Assem- 
bly of the colony of New- York, for the laying out, 
regulating, clearing and preserving of public high- 
ways in the colony. The record of this road is as 
follows : — " One publique, common and general 
highway, to begin ffrom low watt r ma/rkt at the fer- 
ry in the township of Broockland, in Kings county, 
and ffrom thence to run ffour rod wide up between 
the houses and lands of John Aerson, John Coe, 
and George Jacobs, and soe all along to Broock- 
land towne aforesaid, through the lane that now i>. 
and ffrom thence straight along a certaine lane to 
the Southward corner of John Van Couwenhoven's 
land, and ffrom thence straight to Bedfford as it is 
now staked out, to the lane where the house of Ben- 



37 



jamin Y ancle water stands, and firom thence straight 
along through Bedfford towne to Bedfford lane, 
running between the lands of John Garretse, Dor- 
lant and Claes Barnse, to the rear of the lands of 
the said Cloyse, and mom thence southerly to the 
nld path now in use, and soe all along said path to 
Philip Yolkertses land, taking in a little slip of said 
Philip's land on the south corner, soe all along said 
road by Isaack Greg's house to the Fnackbush new 
lotts ft'enee, and soe all along said ffence to the east- 
ward, to the north-east corner of Eldert Lucas's 
land, lying within the Now lotts, of Fflattbush afore- 
said, being ffour rod wide all along, to be and con- 
tinue forever." 

This road or " king's highway," as it was then 
called, leading from the ferry to the old Dutch 
Church, or Brooklyn parish, was the cause of much 
contention. At the April term of the General Ses- 
sions of the Peace for Kings Comity, in 1721, in- 
dictments were found for encroaching on the "com- 
mon high way of the King, leading from the ferry 
to the Church at Brookland," against John Rap- 
alje, Hans Bergen and James Harding, and others. 
— By which indictments it appears that the road 
should have been four rods wide. 

These indictments appear to have been predicat- 
ed as well on the following application of John 
Bapalje and Hans Bergen, as on complaints from 
several of the inhabitants : 

"Fflatbush, April 19, 1721. John Rapalje and 
Hans Bergen of the fferry, desires of the grand jury 
that the Commissioners now being should be pre- 
sented for not doing their duty in laving out the 
king's highway according to ye law, being the 
King's highway is too narrow from the ferry to one 
Xicalus Cowcnhoven, living at Brooklyn aud if 
all our neighbours will make ye road according to 



38 



law, then ye said John Rapalje and Hans Bergen, 
is willing to do the same as aforesaid, being they 
are not willing to suffer more than their neighbours. 
As witness our hands the day and year first above 
written. JAN RAPELJE, 

HANS BERGEN." 

Some of the persons indicted considering them- 
selves aggrieved, and others who feared being pla- 
ced in the same situation, applied to the Colonial 
Legislature, and July 27th. 1721. obtained the pass- 
age of a law to ••continue the common road or 
king's highway, from the ferry, towards the town of 
Breuckland, on the Island of Nassau, in the Pro- 
vince of New- York," with the following preamble. 
•• Whereas several of the inhabitants on the ferry, 
on the Island of Nassau, by their petition preferred 
to the General Assembly, by setting forth, that they 
have been molested prosecutions, occasioned by the 
contrivance and instigations of ill and disaffected 
persons to the neighbourhood, who would encroach 
upon the buildings and fences that have been made 
many years, alledging the road was not wide enough, 
to the great damage of several of the old inhabit- 
ants, on the said terry ; the said road as it now is. 
has been so for at least these sixty years past, with- 
out any complaint, either of the inhabitants or 
travellers." 

The law then proceeds to establish the road " for- 
ever," as it then was. from the ferry upwards to the 
town nf Breuckland, as far as the swinging gate of 
John Rapalje. just above the house and land be- 
longing to James Harding. These proceedings 
will readily account for Fulton-street, in the pre- 
sent village of Brooklyn being so narrow and 
crooked in many places/ 



39 



The point however to which the Compiler wish- 
es to draw the attention of his fellow citizens, is to 
the existence and location of several public high- 
ways and landing-places in this town which at pre- 
sent are known to very few. 

There is a public landing-place at or near the 
mills of Nehemiah Denton, Esq. and a public high- 
way leading thereto. — The record of which is as 
follows : — " One common highway to Gawanus 
mill, to begin tfrom tin' north-east corner of Lelt'ert 
Peterses ffence, ami soe along the roade westerly, 
as it is now in use to the lane yt parts the lands of 
Hendrick Veclitc, and Abraham Brower, and Nich- 
olas Brower, and soe all along said lane as it is 
now in ffence to the house of Jurian Collier, and 
from thence all along the roade now in use to the 
said Gowanos mill, being in all four rod wide to 
the said lane ; and that there be a convenient land- 
ing place for all persons whatsoever, to begin tfrom 
the southermost side of said Gowanus mill house, 
ami ffrom said house to run ffour rod to the south- 
ward, ffor the transportation of goods and the com- 
modious passing of travellers ; and that said high- 
way to said Gowanos mill ffrom said bouse of said 
Jurian Collier shall be but two rod only and where 
it is now in use; said common highway to be and 
continue forever ; and tfurtber that the ffence ami 
gate that now stands upon the entrance into said 
mill neck, ffor the inclosing and securing of Baid 
neck, shall soe remaine and be alwayes kept soe in- 
closed with a ffence and banging gate ; and the way 
to said mill to be thorow that gate only and to be 
allwayes shutt or put to by all persons that passes 
thorow." The Commissioners laid out the above 
road and landing place, March 28th, 17<'4. 

In 17<iD, the Commissioners laid out another 
road and landing place, at or near the mill of John 
C. Freeke, Esq. The record of which is as fol- 



40 



lows : — " One common highway to begin ffrom the 
house of Jurian Collier to the New Mill of Nicholas 
Brower, now sett up on Gowanus mill neck soe 
called, as the way is now in use along said neck to 
said mill to he of two rod wide ; and that there shall 
he a landing place by said mill in the most conve- 
nient place ffor the transportation of goods and the 
commodious passing of travellers ; and said high- 
way and landing place to be, remaine and con- 
tinue forever." 

This town has a public landing place seven rods 
in length, near the foot of what is now called Dis- 
trict-street, in the village of Brooklyn. — This land- 
ing place is mentioned in the record of a road three 
rods wide, leading to the same, which record the 
Compiler omits inserting in consecpience of its 
length and the multitude of entries connected there- 
with. 

It is believed by many, and not without very 
good reason, that this town has a public landing 
place a short distance to the North of the Old or 
Fulton ferry, and which landing place is now in the 
possession of the Corporation of New- York. 

There is a very distinct tradition of a road to near 
where this landing place is supposed to have been, 
at the foot of which road was the public slaughter 
house, where the butchers of Brooklyn dressed their 
meats. The road referred to, came out where the 
house of the Fire Engine Xo. 4 now stands, ami the 
existence of that road-gives the town its title to that 
small piece of ground. 

(OMMoX LANDS, AM) THE DIVISION THEREOF. 

The town having acquired so great an extent of 
Common land by the purchase of 1670, from the 
Indians, the inhabitants thought proper to take 
some order for the division and defending thereof, 
together with their other lands — accordingly, " at 



41 



a Town meeting held the 25th day of February, 
169|, att Breuklyn, in Kings County. Then re- 
solved to divide their common lands and woods into 
three parts, in manner following to witt: 

1. All the lands and woods after Bedford and 
Cripplebush, over the hills to the path of Xewlotts 
shall belong to the inhabitants and freeholders of the 
Gowanis, beginning from Jacob Brewer and soe to 
the uttermost bounds of the limits of New-Utrecht. 

2. And all the lands and woods that lyes be- 
twixt the abovesaid path and the highway from the 
ferry towards Flattbush, shall belong to the free- 
holders and inhabitants of Bedford and Cripple- 
bush. 

3. And all the lands that lyes in common after 
the Gowanis, betwixt the limits and bounds of Flat- 
bush and New Utrecht shall belong to the freehold- 
ers and inhabitants of Brooklyn, fred. neck, the fer- 
ry and the Wallabout." This proceeding of the 
Town meeting was allowed of by the Court of Ses- 
sions, held at Flatbush, on the" 10th day of May, 
1693. 

The following will serve to shew the manner in 
which the inhabitants of this town elected the Trus- 
tees of their common lands, and the duties of those 
Trustees. "Att a towne meeting held this 29th 
day off Aprill, 1699, at Breucklyn, by order off 
Justice Machiel Hanssen, ffor to chose townsmen 
ffor to order all townes busines and todetfend theire 
limitts and bounds ami to dispose and lay out sum 
part thereof! in lotts, to make lawes and orders ffor 
the best off the inhabitants, and to raise a small tax 
ffor to defray the towne charges, now being or here- 
affter to come, to receive towns revenues and to pay 
townes debts, and that with the advice off the Jus- 
tices off this said towne standing the space and time 
off two years. Chosen ffor that purpose by plural- 

4" 



42 



itie off votes. Benjamin Yande Water, Joores 
Hanssen, Jan Garretse Dorlant. 

Bv order of inhabitants afforesaid, 
J. VAJ5TDE WATER, Clarke." 

These proceedings were recorded by order of the 
Court of Sessions, on the 9th day of May, 1699. 

The following proceeding is curious, setting forth 
the ancient practice of tradesmen cutting down 
timber in the public woods, and the regulations 
made respecting the same. It appears that directly 
after the Trustees were chosen bv the above meet- 



ing they together with the Justices, held the foil 



i (W- 



in ii' meeting. " Att a meeting held this 29th day 
off Aprill, (1699) in Breuck'lyn, Present, Benja- 
min Yande Water, Jooris Hanssen, Jan Geritse 
Dorlant, being choisen townsmen in the presence 
and with the advice off the Justices of this towne. 
Considering the greate inconvenience, lose and 
intrest that the inhabitants off this towne have by 
reason that the tradesmen here living in this towne 
doe ffall and cutt the best tj*ees and sully the best of 
our woods and sell the worke thereoff made the most 
part to others living withonte the towne, and that 
the shoemakers and others doe cutt and fall all the 
best treese tfor the barke, and the wood lyes and 
rott, and that some persons doe cutt and ffall trees 
for timber and ffensing stuff, and leave the trees in 
the woods soe cutt until they are spoilt, and that 
people off other towns come and cutt and fall trees 
nor timber, ffensing stuff, and frire woods, and trans- 
port the same away out off our townes bounds and 
limitts, and that without leave or consent off the 
towne, soe that in the time off ffew yeares there shall 
bee no woods leaved tfor the inhabitants ffor timber 
or ffensing stuff to the mine off the said towne. It 
is thereffore ordered, That ffrom the date hereoff no 



43 



tradesman shall make any worke ffor to sell to 
others without thee towne, ffrom wood soe cutt as 
afforesaid as only ffrom old wood. 

That no shoemaker or others shall cutt or flail 
any trees ffor to harke in the common woods up- 
pon the penaltie oft* ftive pounds ffor every tree soe 
cutt. 

That no men shall leave any timber, flensing, 
stufl'e, or other wood in the woods longer as six 
weeks affter itt is cutt, uppon the penaltie. that itt 
shall be ffree ffor others to take and carry the same 
away as theire owne wood. And that iff any one 
off other townes shall be ffounden within our townes 
liuiitts to cutt or carry away any sorts oft' woods 
ffor timber, Sensing stuff or ttire wood, that itt shall 
bee ffree ffor any one off this towne to take it away 
and to take out writ to arrest, or to apprehend such 
offender or offenders presently, and that the Justices 
off this towne shall answer the action as iff itt were 
done by theire owneselves.(' 8 ) These proceedings 
were also recorded by order of the Court of Ses- 
sions, 

" Towne meeting held this 5th day off May, 
1701, by order off Justices Cornelis Sebringh and 
Maehiell Eanssen. We the major part off the ffree- 
holders off Breucklyn doe hereby nominate, consti- 
tute and appoint Capt. Jooris Hanssen, Jacob Hans- 
sen and Cornelis Van Duyn, to bee trustees of our 
Common and undivided lands, and to deffend and 
maintaine the rights and privileges off our General 
pattent, as well within as without." 

" Towne meeting held this 2d day off' February, 
1701-2, by order off Justice Cornelis Sebringh. 

(12) The idea intended to be conveyed bv this regulation, I under- 
stand to be, that the Justices of the town of Brooklyn shall have cog- 
nizance of the offence, as much as if the offenders resided within the 
town. 



44 



Purposed ill' the order off Bedford, made the 12th 
day off April, 1697. shall Lee confirmed concern- 
ing the lying out of the common or undivided lands 
or that the said laud shall bee lyed out according to 
the last tax, concerning the deffending oti' our 
limitts. 

Resolved by the freeholders aforesaid, that the 
chosen townsmen shall ley out the commens ac- 
cording as by the said order off Bedford was con- 
cluded, with the ffirst opportunitie, and that all the 
lotts joyning to the common woods shall be survey- 
ed according to their grants." 

The following Resolution was passed for defend- 
ing those inhabitants to whom portions of the Com- 
mon lands were allotted, in their enjoyment of the 
same. " Att a Towne meeting held att Brookland, 
in Kings County, this 14th day of March, 1701-2. 
Present, Machiel Hanssen, Cornelis Sebringh, and 
Hendrick Vechten, Esquires, Justices. — Resolved, 
by the major part of the freeholders of the said 
towne of Brookland, that every man that has now 
a right, lott, or lotts laid out in the quondam Com- 
mon and undivided lands of Brookland aforesaid, 
shall forever free liberty have for egress or regress 
to his said lotts for fetching off wood or otherwise, 
over all or any of the said lott or lotts of the said 
freeholders in the lands aforesaid. And further, 
that if any of the said freeholders shall at any time 
or times hereafter, come by any loss or trouble, 
cost or charges by lawe or otherwise, of, for or con- 
cerning the title of any of their said lott or lotts, by 
any person or persons, either within the township 
of Brookland afforesaid, or without, that it shall 
be defended and made goode, (if lost) att all the 
proper costs and charges of all the freeholders of 
said towne equally." 



45 



It appears that all the Common lands of this 
town had been divided among the freeholders, and 
a portion annexed to each house in the town. — A 
deed dated the 17th of April, 1705, after conveying 
a house and lot of land in this town, conveys " al- 
soe all the rights and priviledges in the common 
woodlands of the towne of Uroockland aforesaid, 
to said house, belonging as per record of said towne 
may appear ( l 3 ) 

These lands, in the month of February, 1701-2, 
were surveyed by Pieter Corteljeu and S. Clowes, 
two surveyors, and divided by them into three divi- 
sions. The first or west division consisted of 02 
lots, containing about 5 acres each, about 310 
acres. The second or middle division of 62 lots, 
containing about 10 acres each, about 620 acres ; 
and the third or east division also of 62 lots, con- 
taining about 10 acres each, about 620 acres. — 
Total number of acres about 1550. 

DIFFERENCES AS TO BOOTDS. 

The difference between this town and the city of 
New-York, having been treated of under the head 
of Town Rights and Ferries, the compiler will con- 
fine himself to the disputes which formerly existed 
between this town, and the towns of Bushwick, 
Flatbush and New-Utrecht, respecting their bounds. 

The following proceeding relates generally to the 
defence and settling of the limits of this town. 

"Towne meeting held this 7th day of February, 
1701-2, by order of Ilendrick Vechten, Justice. — 
The Justice Ilendrick Vechten, brings in that the 
towns men were nott well authorised concerninge 
the lying out and deffending of our bounds by rea- 
son that they have no power to compounde or 

(13) Th6 records referred to, together with all our other town re- 
cords were destroyed during the Revolution. 



46 



agree with any of the neighboring townes, &c. — 
These are thereffore, that the freeholders and in- 
habitants doe give full power to the said Intrusties, 
for to agree and eompounde with any of the neigh- 
bour townes concerning our bounds, and all what 
our said Intrusties shall doe and agree with them, 
we shall stand to itt." This proceeding was re- 
corded liv order of the Court of Sessions, on the 
13th of May, LT02. 

DIFFERENCE WITH BUSHWICK. 

The difference as to the bounds of these two towns 
seems generally to have been contested between in- 
dividuals. The following is the only general order 
on record respecting the same: 

At a Court of Sessions, held at Flatbush for 
Kings County, May 10, 1699. " Oppon the de- 
sire of the inhabitants of Breucklyn, that according 
to use and order every three yeare the limmitts be- 
tweene towne and towne must he runn, that a war- 
rant or order may be given, that upon the 17th day 
off May, the line and hounds hetwixt said townes 
of Brooklyn and Boswyck, shall he runn accord- 
ing to their pattents or agreements." Ordered, 
" That an order should be past according to theire 
request." 

DIFFERENCE WITH FLATBUSH. 

The dispute between this town and Flatbush, res- 
pecting their hounds, appears to have been of more 
importance than that with any other place, except- 
ing New- York. 

At a Court of Sessions, held for the West Eliding 
of Yorkshire, upon Long-Island, the 18th of De- 
cember, 1678, the following order was made : 

" There being some difference between the townes 
of Flat Bush and Breucklvn coneernin<r their 



47 

bounds, the which they are both willing to refer to 
Captain Jaques Corteleou and Captain Richard 
Stillwell to decide. The Court doth appi'ove there- 
of, and order their Report t<> be determinative. " 

Messrs. Cortelyou and Stillwell complied with 
the requisition of the above order as will appear by 
the following report : but subsequent disputes shew 
that the same was not " determinative." 

" To the worshipfull Court of Sessions, now sit- 
ting at Gravesend, June 21, 1683. These may 
certiffie thai in obedience to an order from said 
Court, and by consent of both towns of Breucklyn 
and Flattbush, to runn the line betwixt the said 
townes which are we underwritten have done and 
marked the trees betwixt towne and towne, as witt- 
nesse our hands the daye and yeare above written. 

JACQUES CORTELY* >TJ, 
RICHARD STILLWELL." 

It appears by the following Certificate, that a 
subsequent survey was made in 1684, of the divi- 
sion line between this town and Flatbush. 

" To satisffie whom itt may concerne, that I he- 
me; with Mr. Jacobus Cortlandt, about the twenty- 
etli day off November, 1684, imployed by Breuek- 
land and Fflackbush, to vew and run out the line 
betweene the two towns to the smith of the hills 
found that the line run fformerly by Capts. Jaques 
Cortelyou and Mr. Stillwell, is right and just, which 
wee both being agreed, gave in our approbation of 
the same. 

PHILIP WELLS, Surveyor." 
Staaten-Island, in the County of Rich- ) 

mond, this 4th day of Aprill, 1687." j 

The above Certificate was recorded by order of 
several of the inhabitants of Brooklyn. 



48 



At a Court of Sessions for Kings County, held 
the 4th day of October, 1687, the following pro- 
ceeding was had : 

" Complaint off Jan Oake, and Cornells Barduff, 
authorised by the inhabitants of Fflackbush being 
read against Pieter Cronwer, concerning the build- 
ing uppon the land in question, betwixt BreUcklyn 
and tflackbush, Itt is ordered, that none off the 
partys shall meddle themselves with the said land 
before the question off the said land shall be 
finished." 

December 4, 1689. Jooris Bergen, Jan Dorlant 
and II. Claes Yechte, Commissioners of this town, 
together with Jurrian Bries, Constable, granted to 
Jeronimius Remsen, a piece of land lying at Bed- 
ford, in lieu of a piece of land which they had for- 
merly sold him, lying at the Port or entrance, and 
which was claimed by the town of Flatbusb. 

At a town meeting, held in this town the 11th 
day of April, 1702, by order of Justices Machiel 
Hanssen, and Cornelis Seberingh ; it was 

" Purposed to choise townsmen, in place off 
George Hanssen, Jacob Hanssen, and Cornelis 
Van Dnyn, by cause theire times being past the 
549th off this instant. Resolved to prolong the old 
townsmen's time to the twenty-fifth off May next, 
by reason they are in action off lawe with them off 
Fflackbush, to be tryed this May Court." 

The differences between these two towns have 
been amicably settled, and proper monuments 
placed on the boundary lines, to prevent, if possi- 
ble, all future disputes. 

DIFFERENCE WITH NEW-UTRECHT. 

February 14, 1702. George Hansen, Jacob Han- 
sen and Cornelius Van Dnyn, Trustees on the part 
of the town of Brooklyn, and Cornelius Van Brunt, 



49 

I Vt.r ( !< irtelyi >u. and Aert Van Pelt, Trustees on the 
part of the town of New-Utrecht, entered into an 
agreement, which, after setting forth the said Trus- 
tee's powers to enter into the same, proceeds to say, 
■• that the courses and lines hereafter specified shall 
be the exact bounds between the said two towns of 
Brookland and New Utrecht and sue to continue to 
perpetuity without any alteration ; viz. The hounds 
to begin in the sloott or pond lying and being by 
and between the house of Agyes Vandyke, of the 
said towne of Brookland and the house of Thomas 
Sharax, of the said towne of New-Utrecht, where 
the water runns into the salt water River, by a cer- 
taine fenee from thence stretching away south-east 
one degree southerly, two hundred eighty and 
eight English rod. to a winter white oake tree markt 
011 the south and north-west side ; and from thence 
running east eight ami twenty degrees northerly to 
a white oake tree, being on the east side of the path 
leading to New-Utrecht aforesaid, to the Gowanos 
soo called in the towneship of Brookland abovesaid, 
said tree being markt on two sides, and being 
formerly the old markt tree betweene the said 
townes, <fcc." K 

At the time of the execution of the above-men- 
tioned agreement, the Trustees of the town of Brook- 
lyn, gave a bond to the Trustees of the town of 
New-Utrecht, in the sum of one thousand pounds 
•' currant money of New-Yorke." — The condition 
of which Bond or obligation was. " That if the 
above bounden George Hansen, Jacob Hansen and 
Cornelius Van Duyne, severally ami their several! 
heires and assigns, doe and shall from time to time 
and at all times hereafter, well and truly observe, 
performe and keepe, all and every the covenants, 
articles of agreements, which on their and every of 
their parts, are or ought to lie observed, performed 

5 



50 



and kept, contained and specified in and by certain 
articles of agreements of the date hereof and made 
betweene the above bounden George Hansen, Jacob 
Hansen and Cornelius Van Duyn of the one part, 
and the above-named Cornelius Van Brunt, Peter 
< 'ortilleou and Aert Tan Pelt of the other part, of, 
in and concerning the limmitts and bounds of their 
townes pattents, and that in and by all thing* ac- 
cording to the true meaning of the said articles of 
agreement in such wise that no breache be made of 
the premises in said articles of agreement by the 
towne of Brookland aforesaid, at any time or times 
hereafter, then this obligation to be void and of 
none effect, otherwise to stand and remain in full 
force, virtue and power in law." 

In the year 1797, a survey was made of all the 
bounds of this town, and a map thereof transmitted 
to the Surveyor General of this state. 

KKVol.l TioXARV INCIDENTS. 

This town had a full share of the military opera- 
tions during the Revolutionary war; and was for 
a long time in the possession of the British arm v. 
It is covered with the remains of fortifications which 
were thrown up by the Americans ' 4 > and English 
for their defence against each other. In tin* town 
was fought the most sanguinary part of the battle 
of Long-Island, August 27, 177 1> ; which took place 
on the retreat of the American army within their 
lines, and the attempt of a portion of them to ford 
the mill ponds at Gowanos ; in which attempt near- 
ly the whole of a Regiment of young men from 
Maryland were cut off. 

-Many of the minor events connected with this 
battle, and the Revolutionary contest, are fast sink- 

(14) The fortifications at Red Hook were erected by a Regiment of 
Continental troops, the night of April S, 1776. 



51 



ing into the shades of oblivion : the compiler has 

therefore thought proper to give place to the fol- 
lowing piece of history, not with an idea, that he 
can immortalize any event which he relates ; but 
with a hope that ms efforts will call forth some 
nobler pen to do justice to the memories of main- of 
the almost forgotten heroes of those hard fought 
battles and arduous contests. In the battle above- 
mentioned, part of the British army marched down 
a lane or road leading from the Brush tavern to 
Gowanos, pursuing the Americans. Several of the 
American riflemen, in order to be more secure, and 
at the same time more effectually to succeed in 
their designs, had posted themselves in the high 
trees near the road. One of them, whose name is 
now- partially forgotten, shot the English Major 
Grant; in this he passed unobserved. Again he 
loaded his deadly rifle, and tired — another English 
officer fell. He was then marked, and a platoon 
ordered to advance, and fire into the tree; which 
order was immediately carried into execution, and 
the rifleman fell to the ground, dead. After the 
battle was over, the two British officers Mere buried 
in a field, near where they fell, and their graves 
fenced in with some posts and rails, where their re- 
mains still rest. But for " an example to the rebels " 
they refused to the American rifleman the rites of 
sepulture ; and his remains were exposed on the 
ground till the flesh was rotted, and torn off his 
bones by the fowls of the air. After a considerable 
length of time, in a heavy gale of wind, a large 
tree was uprooted ; in the cavity formed by which 
some friends to the Americans, notwithstanding the 
prohibition of the English, placed the brave sol- 
dier's bones to mingle in peace with their kindred 
earth. 



52 



August v 2*. 1770. Before day break, in a very 
thick fog, General Washington retreated with his 
army from near the old ferry, Brooklyn, to New- 
York. As the last boat of the Americans Left the 
shore, the fog dissipated, and the British made 
their appearance on the hills above the place of em- 
barkation, when a shot or two from an American 
Battery on the hill near the house of Col. Henry 
Rutgers, in New-York, compelled the British tode 
sist in their march to the ferry. 

A short time after the retreat of the Americans, 
Captain Hale, of the American army, was dispatch- 
ed by General Washington, to sec if the English 
had taken possession of his camp at Brooklyn, and 
what their situation was. This unfortunate young 
officer was taken by the English and hung as a 
spy. without even a form of trial ; and not allowed 
a clergyman at his execution. It is believed he was 
exented somewhere along the Brooklyn shore, to 
the south-west of the old ferry. L In our pity for 
Major Andre, we have almost entirely lost sight of 
this meritorious officer, whose claims on our grati- 
tude ought ever to be remembered, in proportion 
as his sufferings were greater than those of the for- 
mer. 

During the stay of the American army on Long- 
Island, the head quarters of General Washington 
were at the house on Brooklyn heights, now owned 
and occupied by Henry Waring, Esq." The house 
now owned and occupied by Tennis Joralemon, 
Esq. was used by the English as a Hospital during 
the Revolution, and in its vicinity, hundreds of 
British soldiers and sailors are buried." 

Most of the records of this town were destroyed 
by the English when they came in possession of it 
after the battle of Long-Island. 



53 

In the month of November, 1776, one of the 
British prison ships, called the Whitby, was moored 
in the Wallaboght, near Remsen's mills. On board 
this vessel great mortality prevailed among the 
prisoners, and many of them died. Those of the 
prisoners who died from this ship, and from the 
others, which were afterwards brought to this place, 
were interred in the hill at the present Navy- Yard; 
where their remains were found, and in the year 
L808, deposited in a vault erected for that purpose. 
March, 1777, two other prison ships anchored in the 
Wallaboght, one of which bore the name of Good 
Hope ; which vessel in the month of October, in the 
same year, took tire and was burnt. The prisoners 
were saved and transferred to the other vessels — 
The hull of this ship lies under a dock at the Navy 
Yard, in this town. In the month of February, 
1778, on a Sunday afternoon, another British pris- 
on ship was burnt in the Wallaboght. The hull ol 
this vessel lies in the mud in that Hay. 1778, the 
Jersey ship of the line, having arrived at New- York, 
was condemned as unfit for the service, and con- 
verted into a prison ship. As such she anchored in 
the Wallaboght during the month of April, in the 
same year, together with the Falmouth and Hope, 
for Hospital ships; where they remained till the 
close of the Revolutionary war. 

October 22, 1779, An act of attainder was passed 
by the Legislature of this State, against John Rap- 
alje, Esq. of this town, by which his property was 
confiscated to the use of the State. That part ot 
his property lying within the bounds of the present 
village of Brooklyn, was on the 13th of .inly, L784, 
sold by the Commissioners of Forfeitures, to Com- 
fort, and Joshna Sands, Esqrs, for £12,430. 

In the year 1780, the British being apprehensive 
of an attack from the American army under Gen- 

5* 



54 

eral Washington, commenced fortifying the high 
grounds about Brooklyn ; which works they con- 
tinued until the peace in 1TS3. P In this town the 
British had their army yard, where their forage de- 
partment, and blacksmith's shops, etc. were kept. 
The entrance to this yard was near the junction of 
Main-street with Fulton-street, in the present village 
of Brooklyn."* 

During the Revolution, this place was much re- 
sorted to by the officers of the English army, and 
the fashionables of the day, as a scene of amuse- 
ment. In the Royal Gazette of August 8th, 1781, 
published at New- York, Charles Loosley adyertises 
a Lottery of $12,500, to be drawn at "Brooklyn 
Hall." The same paper contains the following 
advertisement: ''Pro bono publico. Gentlemen 
that are fond of fox hunting, are requested to meet 
at Loosley's Tayern, on Ascot Heath, on Friday 
morning next, between the hours of five and six. as 
a pack of hounds will be there purposely for a trial 
of their abilities: Breakfasting and Relishes until 
the Races commence. At eleven o'clock will he 
run for, an elegant saddle. Arc. value at least twen- 
ty pounds, for which upwards of twelve gentlemen 
will ride their own horses. — At twelve, a match 
will be rode by two gentlemen, Horse for Horse. 
— At one, a match for thirty guineas, by two gen- 
tlemen, who will also ride their own horses. — Din- 
ner will be ready at two o'clock, alter which, and 
suitable regalements, racing and other diversions, 
will be calculated to conclude the day with pleasure 
and harmony. Brooklyn Hall, 6th August, 1781." 

Lieutenant Anberry, in a letter from New-York, 
to a friend in England, dated October 30th, 1781, 
says, " on crossing the East River from New- York, 
you land at Brooklyn, which is a scattered village. 
consisting of a few houses. At this place is an ex- 



55 



cellent Tavern, where parties are made to go and 
eat fish ; the landlord of which has saved an im- 
mense fortune this war." The public house refer- 
red to in the above advertisements, and letter, was 
the same house, which after the Revolution, and in 
the Compiler's recollection, was called the " Cor- 
poration House." It was a large, gloomy, old 
fashioned, stone edifice ; and was destroved bv fire, 
September 23, 1812. B 

This town was left by the British troops, the 
same day that they evacuated New-York. 

ANCIENT GOVERNMENT. 

The first public officer appointed by the Dutch 

Government for this town after its settlement in 
1625, was a " Superintendant," whose duties wen' 
to preserve the peace, and regulate the police of the 
town. A few years after the office of Superintend- 
ant was abolished, and the offices of Sellout, Secre- 
tary, and Assessor, created ; these officers were also 
appointed by the Governor. In 1646, the town 
having considerably increased, the inhabitants were 
permitted to elect two magistrates: subject, how- 
ever, to the approval or rejection of the Governor. 
These magistrates had increased powers : they were 
authorized to give judgment in all cases as they 
might think proper; provided that the judgment 
so given be not contrary to the charter of New- 
Netnerland. Subsequently this Town Court was 
new modelled by the Dutch Government, and its 
power and authority more clearly defined. 

The inhabitants suffering very much under the 
arbitrary exercise of power on the part of the go- 
vernment, frequently remonstrated against the same. 
Finally a convention of delegates from this, and the 
other towns under the Dutch government assembled 
at New Amsterdam. November 26th, 1653, on an 



56 



invitation from the Governor. Where they, on the 
11th of December, following, entered into a re- 
monstrance against the exclusion of the people from 
their share in legislation, and generally against 
their mode of government. The Governor and his 
Council sent them no answer, but entered one on 
the minutes ; in which they denied the right of this 
town, Flatbush, and Fhttlands, to send deputies, 
and protested against the meeting, notwithstanding 
the same was held at the Governor's request. En- 
tertaining a just sense of the responsibility attached 
to them, the deputies made another, hut ineffectual 
attempt, to obtain a recognition of their rights, and 
on the loth of the last mentioned month, presented 
another remonstrance, in which the}' declared, that 
if they could not obtain them from the Governor 
and Council, they would he under the necessity of 
appealing to their superiors, the States General. — 
The Governor in a fit of anger dissolved their 
meeting, and sent them home. 

In 1654, it appears that the country was very 
much infested with robbers; to disperse whom, 
April 7, 1651, the magistrates of this town, together 
with those of JMidwout and Amersfort, united in 
forming a company of soldiers to act against " rob- 
bers and pirates," and determined that there should 
be a military officer in each town, called a Ser- 
geant. 

In order to prevent the depredations of the In- 
dians, the Governor in 1660, ordered the inhabit- 
ants of Brooklyn to put the town in a state of de- 
fence ; and commanded the farmers to remove with- 
in the fortifications, on the pain of forfeiting their 
estates (' 6 ) 

(15) In 1665, a large body of Northern Indians made a descent on Sta- 
ten Island, and massacred 67 persons ; after which they crossed to Long- 
Island, and invested Graveseod; which place was relieved by a party of 
soldiers from New-Amsterdam. It appears from the records that these 



57 



For the first two or three years under the En- 
glish government, the magistrates of this town were 
but temporary officers. Nearly all that we know 
about the government previous to 1669, is, that 
Town Courts were established in this Colony. — 
The inference would be, that as this town was 
granted " all the rights and privileges belonging to 
a town within this government, "' a town Court was 
also organized here. 

The Town Clerk of this town was appointed by 
the Governor, and confirmed by the Court of Ses- 
sions, as will appear by the following record : At a 
Court of Sessions held at Gravesend for the West 
Riding of Yorkshire upon Long-Island, December 
15, 1669. " Whereas Deriek Storm presented air 
order from his Hon. the Governor, for the appro- 
bation of the Court of Sessions, to allow him to be 
towne clerk of Breucklen, taking his oath, the 
Court having allowed thereof, and doe hereby con- 
firme him of Clerke of the said towne." 

In the year 1669, the first mention is made in the 
records of the "Constable of Breucklen;" which 
office at that period was held by Michael Lenell. 
The duties of constable as laid down in the Duke's 
laws were, holding town courts with the overseers, 
and with them making assessments. &c. whipping, 
or punishing offenders, raising the hue and cry af- 
ter murderers, manslayers. thieves, robbers, burg- 
larers ; and also to apprehend without warrant such 
as were overtaken with drink, swearing, Sabbath 

Indians were on their way to commence a war against the Indians on the 
east end of Long- Island. 

The inhabitants of Flatbush were ordered by Governor Stuyvesant, 
in 1656, to enclose their village with palisadoes to protect them 
from the Indians. These fortifications were required to be kept undei* 
the English government, as will appear by the following record of the 
Court of Sessions for the West Riding of Yorkshire upon Long-Island, 
December 15th 1675. •' The towne of Fflatbush having neglected the 
making of ffortifieations, the Court take notis of it, and reffer the cen- 
sure to ye Governor.'' 



58 

breaking, vagrant persons, or night walker* ; •'pro- 
vided they bee taken in the manner, either by the 
sighte of the constable, or by present informacon 
from others ; as alsoe to make searche for all such 
persons either on ye Sabbath daye, or other, when 
there shall bee oecation in all houses licensed to 
sell beere or wine, or any other suspected or disor- 
derly places, and those to apprehend and keepe in 
safe custody till opportunity serves to bring them 
before the next Justice of ye Peace tor further e.\- 
aminacon." The Constable was chosen out of the 
number of Overseers, whose term of service had 
expired. 

The following is a list of the Constables of 
Brooklyn, from 1069 to 1690 : 

1669. Michael Lenel. 

1671. Lambert Johnson. 

1675. Andries Juriaensen. 

1676. Cornelius Corson. 

1678. Thomas Lambertse. 

1679. John Aeresen. 
16S0. Andries Juriaensen. 
16S2. Martin Eyersen. 

Brooklyn and Newtown were ordered to make a 
new choice according to law. 

1683. Jan Cornelis Dam. 

1684. Thomas Ffardon. 
1687. John Aertsen. 
1689. Jacobus Beavois. 
16S8. Volkert Andriese. 

1689. Jurian Bries. 

1690. Jurian Hendrickse. 

Shortly after the conquest of this Colony by the 
English from the Dutch, the towns of Brooklyn, 
Bushwyck, Midwout, or Flatbush, Amersfort, or 
Flatlands. and New-Utrecht, were formed into a 



59 

separate district for certain purposes, by the name 
of the " Five Dutch Towns." A Secretary was spe- 
cially appointed for these five towns, whose duties 
appear to have been confined to the taking acknow- 
ledgment of transports, and marriage settlements, 
and proof of wills. Arc. This office in Kill, was 
held by "Nicasius De Sille, in the absence of Sr 
Ffrancis De Brugh." This same Mr. De Sille, 
was in authority under the Dutch Government, in 
the year 1058, as Schout of the city of New-Am- 
sterdam. He was styled, " Heer Mcasius De Sille." 
There was no uniformity in the title of those ac- 
knowledging officers of the Five Dutch towns. In 
L675, Machiel Eainelle exercised that office, and 
styled himself " Clerk." - In the same year the 
Court of Sessions for this Riding, after setting forth 
the appointment of Hainell, and calling him 
" Secretary," said. " It is the opinion of the Court 
that for what publique or private business he shall 
doe he ought to have reasonable satisfacon.(' fi ) 

There were also in this town, officers, who were 
called " Overseers." The Duke's Laws provide for 
their appointment in the following manner. "Over- 
seers shall be eight in number, men of good fame, 
and life, chosen by (he plurality of voyces of the 
freeholders in each towne, whereof foure shall re- 
maine in their office two yeares successively, and 
foure shall he changed for new ones every veare ■ 
which election shall preceed the elections of Con- 
stables, in point of time, in regard the Constable 
for the yeare ensuing, is to bee chosen out of that 
number which are dismist from their office of Over- 
seers." 

(lfi) There were also a "Clerk " in most if not in all of these towns 
who seems to have been authorised to take proof of the execution o'f 
wills; whether he was the Town Clerk does not appear. This officer 
was differently appointed in the different towns. In Bushwick be was 
appointed by the Commissioners of the town, and in New Utrecht he 
was elected by the people, and approved of by the Governor. 



60 



The following is a copy of the oath which t;ij 
administered to the overseers elect. 

" Whereas you are chosen and appointed an 
Overseer for the Towne of Breucklen you doe 
sweare by the Ever-living God, that you will faith- 
fully and diligently discharge the trust reposed in 
you. in relation to the publique and towne affaires, 
according to the present lawes established, without 
our, affection or partiality to any person or cause 
which shall fall under your cognizance; and at 
time when you shall bee required by your superi- 
ors to attend the private differences of neighbours, 
you will endeavour to reconcile them : and in all 
causes conscientiously and according to the best of 
your judgment deliver your voyce in the towm 
meetings of Constable and Overseers. So helpe 
you God." These officers were commonly sworn 
by the Court of Sessions; but in the year 1671, 
the Constable of Newtown objected to the Court's 
swearing the overseers of that town, "alledginge 
that accordiuge to the amendments of the law iff 
special occation required, itt is in the power of the 
Constable to sweare them, otherwise not, which is 
left to his Honor the Governor to decide." The 
inhabitants of the town for which the overseers were 
elected were authorised to determine by a major 
vote whether the said overseers should, on admis- 
sion to office, take the oath prescribed as above; 
and in case the said overseers were not sworn, it was 
a legal objection against their proceedings on the 
part of any person prosecuted in their court, unless 
the overseers immediately on objection being made, 
took the oath, which the Constable was permitted 
to administer. 

It was the duty of the overseers, together with the 
Constable, to hold Town Courts, for the trial of 
causes under £5. Their other duties are contained 



61 



in the following summary. On the death of any 
person they were to repair with the Constable, to 
the house of the deceased, and inquire after the 
manner of his death, and of his will and testament ; 
and if no will was found, the Constable in the pre- 
sence of the Overseers was, within 48 hours, to 
search after the estate of the deceased, and to de- 
liver an account of the same in writing, under oath, 
to the next Justice of the Peace. They, together 
with the Constable made all assessments. If any 
< )verseer died during his term, the rest of the Over- 
seers by a major vote, made choice of another in his 
place ; and if the person so chosen refused to serve, 
he forfeited the sum of £10, towards defraying the 
town charges. They were to settle the bounds of 
the town, within twelve months after the bounds 
were granted. They had the power of regulating 
fences. They were authorised together with the 
Constable to make choice of two out of the eight 
overseers of Church affairs. 

They and the Constable, were frequently to ad- 
monish the inhabitants '• to instruct their children 
and servants in matters of religion, and the lawes 
of the country." They, with the Constable, ap- 
pointed an officer " to record every man's particu- 
lar marke, and see each man's horse and colt brand- 
ed." The Constable and two of the Overseers were 
to pay the value of an Indian coat for each wolf 
killed ; and they were to cause the wolf's head to 
be "nayled over the door of the Constable, their 
to remaine, as also to cut of both the eares in token 
that the head is bought and paid for. 

The following is the only list that the Compiler 
could obtain of the Overseers of this town. 

1671. Frederick Lubertse and Peter Pernied- 
eare. 

6 



62 

1675. John Peterson Mackhike, and Jerome 
De Rapostelley. 

K!7<i. Tunis Guis Bergen, and Thomas Lam- 
bertson. 

1619. John Ilarrill, and Martyn Reyandsen. 

L680. Symon Aeresen, and Michael Hansen. 

lfis.'i. John Aeresen, and Daniel Rapellie. 

In the year 1683, the " Overseers" were changed 
to " Commissioners," The " act for defraying the 
publique and neccessary charge of each respec 
tive citty, towne, and comity throughout this pro- 
vince ; and fur maintaining the poore and prevent- 
ing vagabonds." Passed by the General Assembly 
of this Colony, Xovemlicr 1st. 1683, provides — 
" That annually and once in every yeare there shall 
be elected a certaine number out of cadi respective 
citty, towne, and county throughout this province ; 
to be elected ami chosen by the major part of all 
the ^Freeholders ami ffreemen : which certaine num- 
ber so duely elected shall have full power ami au- 
thority to make an assessment or certaine rate with- 
in their respective cittys, townes ami countys annu- 
ally, and once in every yeare, which assessment 
ami certain rate so established as aforesaid, shall 
bee paid into a certaine Treasurer, who shall he 
chosen by a major part of all the ffreemen of each 
respective citty, towne, and county ; which Trea- 
surer soe duly chosen, shall make such payment for 
the defraying of all the publique and necessary- 
charges of each respective place above-men coned. 
as -hall bee appointed by the commissioners, or their 
President, that shall lie appointed in each respective 
citty, towne, and county within this province, for 
he supervising the pvhUque affaires and chargt of 
each respective citty, towne ami county aforesaid." 
And the said act proceeds further to say, "And 
whereas it is the custome and practice of his Ma- 



63 



jesties realm of England, and all the adjacent co- 
lonyes in America, that every respective county, 
citty, towne, parrish, and precinct, doth take care 
and provide for the poore who doe inhabit in their 
respective precincts aforesaid ; Therefore it is enact- 
ed, &c. That for the time to come the respective com- 
missioners of every comity, citty, towne, parish, pre- 
cinct aforesaid, shall make provision for the maintain- 
ance and support of their poor respectively. "(") 

The following is a list of the Commissioners of 
this town from 1684, to 1690, inclusive. 

1684:. Thomas Lambertsen, Randolph Emans, 
and John Aeresen. 

1685. Tunis Guis Bergen, and Daniel Eapalie. 

1686. Michael Hansen, and Jeromus De Rap- 
alie. 

The town made choice of Hansen and De Rap- 
alie ; and were ordered by the Court of Sessions to 
make a new selection by the 12th of April, 1686, 
and return the same to one of the Justices of the 
Peace for Kings County. 

1687. Adriaen Bennet, Thomas Lambertsen, 
and Tunis Ghiysbert. 

The Court of Sessions ordered the town to make 
choice of a new Commissioner in the place of Tnnis 
I raysbert ; which they accordingly did, and elected 
Jan Gerritsen Dorland. 

1688. Simon Aertsen, Michael Hansen, and 
Claes Barense. 

The Court of Sessions refused to swear Michael 
Hansen. 

(17) This law provides, that any person not having a visible estate, 
or a manual craft or occupation, coming into any place within this pro- 
vince, should give security, not to become chargeable within two vears: 
and the captains of vessels bringing passengers into this province, were 
required to report them to the chief magistrate of the place, within 24 
hours after their arrival. Under the Dutch Government the poor were 
supported out of the fines imposed for offences committed, and by con- 
tributions taken up in the Churches. 



64 



1690. Joris Hansen, Hendrick Claasen, and 
Jan Gerbritse. 

The office of " Commissioner " continued until 
1703, when a " Supervisor " was elected. The Su- 
pervisors of Kings County had their first meeting 
on the first Tuesday of October, 1703 ; at which 
meeting Captain Joras Hansen was the Supervisor 
from Brooklyn. The duty of the Supervisors was, 
: ' to compute, ascertaine, examine, oversee and al- 
low the contingent, publick, and necessary charge 
of each county." Two assessors were also elected 
for this town whose names were, Peter Garra- 
brantse, and John E. Bennet ; and one Collector. 
This is not the first mention of the assessors and 
collectors of this town in our County Records. Iu 
16SS, Michael Hansen, and Daniel Rapalie were 
chosen assessors, for the purpose of assessing this 
town's proportion of a tax of £308 8s Od, which 
was imposed on Kings County. It is the opinion 
of the Compiler, that these were distinct officers 
from the Commissioners, whose duty it was to as- 
sess the ordinary rates; and that these assessors were 
but temporary officers, appointed to assess this par- 
ticular tax. In 1699, Jan Garretse Dorlant is men- 
tioned as Collector of Brooklyn ; and in 1701, 
John Bybout held the same office. 

In 1691, a majority of the freeholders of the 
town were impowered to make orders for the im- 
provement of their public lands : and annually to 
elect three surveyors of highways. The duties of 
these svrveyors were to amend and lay out high- 
ways and fences. The town meeting at which 
these orders were made, and officers elected, were, 
held by the direction, and under the superintend- 
ance of one or more justices of the peace. 

November S, 169:2. The court of sessions for 
Kings county, ordered that each town within the 
county, should erect " a good pair of stocks, and 



65 

a °;ood pound ; " and that the clerk of the court 
should issue a warrant to the constable of every 
town, requiring them to see this order complied 
with "at their peril." The following is a list of 
the constables of this town, from the new organiza- 
tion of the colony in 1691, to 1711, as far as the 
compiler has been able to ascertain the same : 

1693. Volkert Brier. 

1097. Volkert Brier. 

169S. Jacob Hansen. [This man was 
complained of by the last constable for not making 
his appearance lit court; and the sheriff was or- 
dered to summon him to appear at the next court.] 

1G99. Jacobus Beauvois. 

1700. Cornelius Yerhoeven. 

1701. Jacob Yerdon. 

1702. Thomas Davie-. 

1703. Thomas Davies. 

1704. William Brower. 

1705. Jacob Ffardon. [This constable 
refused to call a town meeting in 1706, in compli- 
ance with the requisitions of a warrant he had re- 
ceived from Justice Ffilkin, for the election of 
town officers; and the inhabitants complained of 
him to the court of sessions, who ordered that a 
town meeting should be held for the electiou of 
town officers, and that Ffardon should hold over 
until a new constable was elected and sworn in his 
stead. 

1707. Abram Sleghter. 
170S. Cornelius Collier. 
1709. William Brower. 
1711. Thomas Davies. 
For some time previous and subsecpient to the 
year 1693, the colony was in a very disordered 
state, arising probably from its new organization 
after the revolution in Great Britain. 

6* 



66 



At the same period, both the civil and military 
governments in this town and also in the connty, 
were very unpopular. In order to support their 
authority, the justices of the peace resorted to the 
exercise of very arbitrary measures : arresting and 
confining many persons under the pretence of their 
haying uttered scandalous words against them, and 
the government; by which proceedings they com- 
pletely alienated the people's affections, and exas- 
perated them to such a degree that they committed 
many excesses : all which will appear by the fol- 
lowing extracts from the records: 

"October 11, 1693, at a meeting of the justices 

of Kings county, at the connty" hall. Present, 
Roeleff Martinse, Nicholas Stillwell, Joseph Hege- 
lmm, ami Henry Ffilkin, esqrs. justices. John l!i- 
hout, of Broockland, in the comity aforesaid, we 
aver being committed by the said justices to the 
common jail of Kings county, for divers scanda- 
lous and abusive words spoken by the said John 
against their majesties justices of the peace for the 
county aforesaid, to the contempt of their majesties 
authority and breach of the peace; the said John 
haying now humbly submitted himself, and craves 
pardon and mercy of the said justices for his mis- 
demeanour, is discharged, paying the officer's fee-. 
and being on his good behaviour till next court of 
sessions, in November next ensuing; the date here- 

ot. 

In another instance, during the same year, in the 
month of October, in the town of Bushwyck, a 
man named Orian Ilagell, was imprisoned for hav- 
ing said, on a training day. speaking jestingly of 
the soldiers. "' Let us knock them down, we are 
three to their one." The justices called these 
"mutinous, factious, and seditious words;" which. 



67 

with the like, appear to have been favourite terms 
with them. Again, in the same month and year 
Hendrick Claes Vechte, of the town of Brooklyn' 
was imprisoned by the justices, on a charge of 
" raising of dissension, strife, and mutiny, union.'' 
their majesties subjects." And May 8, 1694, two 
women of Bushwick were indicted at the sessions 
for having beat and pulled the hair of Captain 
Peter Praa, whilst at the head of his company of 
soldiers on parade. One of them was fined £3 
and the cost, £1 19s. 9d.; and the other 40s. and 
the cost, £1 19*. 9d. In the last mentioned year, 
(1694) Volkert Brier, constable of Brooklyn,' was 
fined £5, and the costs of court amounting to £1 
by the sessions, " for tearing and burning an exe- 
cution directed to him as constable."| B ) Brier af- 
terwards petitioned the governor to have the tine 
remitted ; a copy of which petition is in the appen- 
dix, marked C. [ 

This town with respect to legal matters was un- 
der the jurisdiction of the court of sessions held at 
Gravesend, for the West Riding of Yorkshire, upon 
Long-Island,C 9 ) until the year 1683; when an act 
was passed by the first legislative assembly of this 
colony, dividing the province into comities, by 
which the ridings were abolished. The court 
however continued to be held at Gravesend until 
L686, when it was removed to Flatbush, in con- 
formity to an act of the colonial assembly, passed 
in the year 1685. This town continued under the 

(18) Sept. 14, 1696. about 8 o'clock in the evening, John Rapale 
Isaac Remsen, Joras Yannester, Joras Danielse Rapale, Jacob Ever- 
sen, Aert Aersen, Tunis Buys, Garret Cowenhoven, Gabriel Sprong 
Urian Andnese, John Williamse Bennet, Jacob Bennet, and John 
Meserole, jr. met armed at the court-house of Kings, where they des- 
troyed and defaced the king's arms which were hanging up there. 

(19) The West Riding was composed of the towns of Brooklyn 
Bushwick, Flatbush. Flatlands, New-Utrecht, and GraveseDd, toee- 
tner with Stalen-Island and Newtown. 



68 

jurisdiction of that coiirt, and the court of common 
pleas, which was afterwards established, until the 
close of the revolutionary war. At the close of the 
war the courts were re-organized, and this town 
-till continues under their jurisdiction. 

PRESENT GOVERNMENT. 

In 1816 the village of Brooklyn was erected out 
of the town, and constituted a distinct government : 
thereby forming an im/perium in imperio. 

The present government both of the town and 
village, approach as near a pure democracy as that 
of any other place in this state. No business of 
importance is undertaken without first having the 
sanction of a public meeting. Here these sterling 
principles, that all power emanates from the peo- 
ple, and that public officers are but public ser- 
vants, are fully recognized, and acted upon. 

This head the compiler will divide into two divi- 
sions, in order to avoid confusion : First, the Town 
Government, and second, the Village Government. 

First — the Town Government. 

The government of the town is administered by 
A Supervisor, elected by the people, at the an- 
nual town-meeting, on the first Tuesday of April. 
The duties of this officer are principally confined 
to the apportionment of taxes, presiding at elec- 
tions, &c. He is also ex officio a commissioner of 
excise for granting tavern licenses in the town, and 
the general guardian of the town rights. There is 
no salary attached to this office: the supervisor 
receives a compensation of two dollars per day, 
for attending the general meeting of the supervi- 
sors of the different towns in the county, ami a 
trifling amount for granting licenses. The pre- 
sent supervisor is William Furman, esq. 



69 

A Town Clerk, also elected by the people. The 
duties of this officer are to call special town meet- 
ings on the request of twelve freeholders, record 
the proceedings of town meetings, and preserve 
the records of the town. In 1698, Jacob Vande- 
water, town clerk of this town, received the sum of 
£6 5s. for two years and six months salary.( 2 °) 
In 1822, in order to make the town clerk's salary 
in some decree proportionate to the increase of 
business, the town voted him a salary of $50. In 
1824 the town clerk's salary was increased to $75. 
The office is at present held by John Doughty, esq. 
who has been successively elected since the year 

Five Assessors, also elected by the people— whose 
duties are to assess all real and personal estate lia- 
ble to taxation within the town, and to forward 
such assessment to the supervisors, that they may 
apportion the amount of tax on the same. The 
present assessors are Messrs. John S. Bergen, 
Richard Stanton, John Spader, Joseph Moser, and 
Andrew Demarest. Their compensation is one 
dollar and twenty-five cents per day during the 
time they are employed in making and completing 
the assessment. 

There are also elected two overseers of the poor, 
Messrs William Cornwell, and Isaac Moser ; one 
constable and collector, Mr. John M'Kenney ; two 
constables, Messrs John Lawrence, and Samuel 
Doxsey; and several other officers, whose names 
and duties will be set forth in the subsequent parts 

of this work. 

The iudicial business of this town is at present 
transacted by three justices of the peace, viz. John 
Garrison, John G. Murphy, and Samuel Smith. 

(20) At the same period the salary nf the cierk of the county was 
£10 per annum. 



70 

esqrs. These magistrates are appointed by the 
judges of the common pleas, and the supervisors of 
the county. 

Second — the Village Government. 

April 12, 1S16, the village of Brooklyn was in- 
corporated by an act of the legislature of tins state. 
By this act the freeholders and inhabitants are au- 
thorized annually to elect, on the first Monday of 
May, "Five discreet freeholders, resident within 
the said village, Trustees thereof;" and these trus- 
tees are authorised to appoint a president and 
clerk. The first trustees. Messrs. Andrew Mer- 
cein, John Garrison, 5 John Doughty, John Seaman, 
and John Dean, were appointed by the legislature, 
and continued in office until the first Monday of 
May, 1817; when the first election was made by 
the people, and they made choice of Messrs. Wil- 
liam Furman, T Henry Stanton, William Henry, 
Tunis Joralemon, u and Noah Waterbury. v The 
present trustees are Messrs. Joshua Sands."' John 
Doughty, 31 Joseph Moser, John Moon, and Samuel 
James. Joshua Sands, esq. president, and John 
Dikeman, esq. clerk of the board. The president 
previous to L824 received no salary : at present 
his salary is $300. The clerk formerly received a 
salary of $100, which in consequence of the great 
increase of business is now raised to $200. The 
powers of the trustees are principally "to make, 
ordain, constitute, and publish, such prudential by- 
laws, rules and regulations, as they from time to 
rime shall deem meet and proper; ami such in 
particular as relate to the public markets, streets, 
alleys, and highways of the said village; to 
draining, filling up, levelling, paving, improving, 
ami keeping in order the same ; relative to slaugh- 
ter houses, houses of ill-fame, and nuisances gen- 



TI 

rally ; relative to a village watch, and lighting the 
streets of said village ; relative to restraining geese, 
swine, or cattle of any kind ; relative to the better im- 
provement of their common lands; relative to the 
inspection of weights and measures, and the assize of 
bread; relative to erecting and regulating hay- 
scales; relative to the licensing of public porters, 
cartmen, hackney coachmen, gangers, weigh-mas- 
ters, measurers, inspectors of beef and pork, of wood, 
of staves and heading, and of lumber ; relative to 
public wells, pumps, anil reservoirs or cisterns of 
water to be kept tilled for the extinguishment of 
tires ; relative to the number of taverns or inns to 
licensed in said village; and relative to any thing 
whatsoever that may concern the public and good 
government of the said village; but no such by- 
laws shall extend to the regulating or fixing the 
prices of any commodities or articles of provision, 
except the article of bread, that may be offered for 
sale." _ The powers of the trustees, in opening, 
regulating, and widening streets, are enlarged and 
defined by an act passed by the legislature of this 
state, April 9, 1824. 

The board of trustees have the appointment of 
several officers. The following is a list of the 
names of the officers at present holding under them. 

John Lawrence, Collector 

Samuel AVatts 



nighty, J 



John Titus, f ,, r . , 

Andrew Tombs, f Wei g" ei ' r 



Robert W. Douc 

1 turdet Striker, Measurer. 

William A. Sale, Measurer of Lime. 
Three village Assessors are also elected by the 
people, for the purpose of making an assessment on 
which to apportion the village tax. The present 
assessors are Losee Van Nostrand, Gamaliel King, 
and John 1). Oonklin. 



72 

The Trustees, by an act passed April 9th, 1 824, 
are constituted a Board of Health. The President 
and Clerk of the Trustees are ex-ofticio President 
and Clerk of the Board of Health. The salary of 
the President of this Board is $150. 

A Health Physician is appointed by the Board 
of Health ; which office is at present held by Dr. 
J. G. T. Hunt, with a salary of $200. 

The duties of the Board relate to the general con- 
servation of the Health of the village. 

As early as 1S09, during the prevalence of the 
yellow fever in this town, the inhabitants met toge- 
ther in consecpience of repeated solicitations from 
the Common Council of New-York, and after stat- 
ing in their proceedings, that " reports prevailed, 
that disease exists to an alarming extent in the 
town of Brooklyn," they appointed the following 
gentlemen a committee " for the purpose of inquir- 
ing into the state of the health of the inhabitants of 
said town, and to act as the case in their opinion 
may require," viz William Furman, John Garrison, 
Burdet Stryker, Henry Stanton, and Andrew 31 or- 
cein. A sum of money was raised by subscription 
to meet the expenses of this Committee. 

In the year 1819, the Trustees, although not 
strictly invested with power, yet feeling the neces- 
sity of acting with some degree of energy, in order 
to quiet the fears of the inhabitants, arising from 
reports of the existence of a pestilential disease in 
New-York, published an address; in which they 
state, " that during this season of alarm, they have 
not been unmindful of that part of their duty incum- 
bent on them as a Board of Health for the village," 
and that " measures have been taken to obtain from 
time to time, a report of the state of health through- 
out the village, that the inhabitants may be early 
apprised of any change affecting their welfare." 



PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND INSTITUTIONS. 

This head will be divided into three divisions — 
first, Churches ; second, Markets ; and third, Pub- 
lic institutions. 

First, fit a !■<■]« s. 

The first Church established in Kings County 
was, October 13, 1054, when the Rev. Joannes 
Theodoras Polhemus," a minister of the Dutch Re- 
formed Church, was permitted by Governor Stuy- 
vesant, to preach at Midwout, (Flatbush) and Am- 
ersfort, (Flatlandsu 2 ') The congregation was 
gathered at this time ; but the order of Governor 
Stuyvesamt for building the Church is dated Decem- 
ber 15, 1651. February 9, 1655, the Governor 
ordered the inhabitants of Brooklyn and Amersfort, 
which at that period, together with Gravesend, 
were one congregation, to cut timber for the erec- 
tion of the Church at Midwout : which building 
was to be 60 feet in length, 28 feet in breadth, and 
14 feet in height below the beams. 

In order to accommodate the four towns of 
Gravesend, Amersfort. Midwout, and Brooklyn, 
the Governor ordered that Mr. Polhemus should 
]. reach every Sunday morning at Midwout, and 
Sunday afternoons alternately at Amersfort and 
Brooklyn. 

In the year 1659, the inhabitants of this town ap- 
plied to Governor Stuyvesant for permission to call 
a minister for their congregation, assigning as a 
reason for their application, the badness of the mad 
to Flatbush, the difficulty of attending divine ser- 
vice at New- York, and the extreme old age and in- 
ability of the Rev. Mr. Polhemus to perform his 
services at Brooklyn. 

(21) This minister died in the month of June, 1676. 

7 



The Governor deemed the request reasonable, 
and sent Nicasius de Sille, Fiscal of New-Nether- 
land, and Martin Kregier, Burgomaster, of New- 
Amsterdam, to this town, as a committee of inqui- 
ry, who reported in favour of the application ; 
whereupon the request of the inhabitants was grant- 
ed. The inhabitants prepared a call for the Rev. 
Henry Solinus/ alias Henricus Selwyn, from Hol- 
land, who was approved of by the classis of Am- 
sterdam, on the 16th of February, 1660, when the 
classis also gave the Rev. Mr. Solinus a dismission, 
wishing him a safe and prosperous journey by land 
and by water to his congregation in the New-Ne- 
therland. The time of the arrival of this minister 
is not known. He was installed in his church on 
the 3d of September, 1660, in the presence of the 
Fiscal, and Burgomaster Kregier, by the order of 
Governor Stuyvesant. who appears to have been at 
the head of the ecclesiastical, as well as the civil 
and military government of the colony. 

On the 7th of September, 1660, a letter was writ- 
ten to the Rev. Mr. Polhemus, informing him of 
the installation of the Rev. Mr. Solinus in the 
Church of Brooklyn, and thanking him for his la- 
bours and attention to the Congregation. The let- 
ter was sent by a respectable person, to whom the 
Rev. Mr. Polhemus returned his thanks for the at- 
tention which the Church at Brooklyn had paid 
him, and furnished the messenger with a list of the 
names of the Church members, twenty-five in num- 
ber. 

Mr. Solinus' salary was 600 guilders per annum, 
equal to $200. Three hundred guilders of which 
was to be paid by Brooklyn, and three hundred by 
Father land, (Holland). Some time after, the in- 
habitants of Brooklyn objected to raising their pro- 
portion of the salary ; and May 25, 1662, petition- 



75 



ed the Governor, that Mr. Solinus should reside 
among them ; setting forth as a reason, that if their 
minister resided with them more people would go 
to church, and they would be better able to raise 
the salary. Governor Stuyvesant, in order to ac- 
commodate this dispute, proposed to pay 250 guil- 
ders towards Mr. Solinus' salary, on condition that 
he would preach in the Bouwery on Sunday after- 
noons. — This arrangement appears to have been 
entered into, for a short time after Mr. Solinus 
preached at the Bouwery half the time. 

The Indians having on the 7th of June, 1663, at- 
tacked the town of Esopns, burnt the same, and 
destroyed many of the inhabitants, and took many 
prisoners; the event was communicated by Gover- 
nor Stuyvesant to the church at Brooklyn, in the 
following manner. 

" As a sorrowfull accident and wilfull masacre 
has been committed by the Esopus Indians, who 
have with deliberate design under the insidious co- 
ver of friendship, determined to destroy Esopus, 
which they effected on the 7th instant, killing and 
wounding a number of the inhabitants, and taking- 
many prisoners, burning the new town, and des- 
olating the place. Whereupon the congregation 
is directed and desired by his excellency the Go- 
vernor General to observe and keep the ensuing 
Wednesday as a day of fasting, humiliation and 
prayer to the Almighty, hoping that he maj* avert 
further calamities from the New-Netherlands, and 
extend his fatherly protection and care to the coun- 
try. And it is further ordered, that the first Wed- 
nesday in every month be observed in like manner. 
By order of the Director General, and Council, &c. 
Dated at Fort Orange, June 26, 1663." Wednes- 
day the 4th of July, 1663, was observed as a day 
of thanksgiving on account of a treaty of peace 



having been made with the Esopus Indians, and 
the release of the inhabitants who had been taken 
prisoners ; and also for the success obtained over 
the British, who attempted with living colours to 
take possession of all Long-Island for the King of 
England, which was prevented by the timely arri- 
val of the Dutch fleet. 

On the 23d of July. 1664, the Rev. Henry Soli- 
nus took leave of liis congregation and sailed in the 
ship Beaver for Holland. After his departure. 
Charles Debevoise, AA the schoolmaster of the town, 
and sexton of the church, was directed to read 
prayers, and a sermon from an approved author, 
every Sabbath day in the church, for the improve- 
ment of the congregation, until another minister 
was called. 

The first Dutch church in Brooklyn was built 
in the year 1666, although a minister had been set- 
tled to preach here for some years previous. — 
A second church was erected on the site of that 
built in 1666; which second church continued 
standing until about lsl", when a new and sub- 
stantial church was erected on Joralemon-street, and 
the old one taken down. This old church was a 
very gloomy looking building, with small window-, 
and stood in the middle of the highway, about a 
mile from Brooklyn ferry. In removing it the 
workmen discovered the remains of a Hessian offi- 
cer, who had been buried there in his uniform, dur- 
ing the Revolutionary war. BB 

The Dutch congregations on this Island formed 
but one church, although they had different con- 
sistories 

The ministers under the Dutch government were 
not permitted to marry any person without making 
the marriage proclamation on three succeeding Sab- 
baths in their churches. The same practice was 



77 



observed after the Colony came under the British 
government. The last mentioned government how 
ever sold marriage licenses, which were granted 
by the Governor's Secretary in New- York, for the 
Mini of eight dollars each. The inhabitants gene- 
rally preferred purchasing a marriage license, and 
thus contributed to the revenue of the Governor 
and Secretary. 

During the ministry of the Rev. Mr. Solinus, the 
marriage fees were not the perquisite of the Minister, 
as appears by his account rendered by him to the 
Consistory, on the 29th of October, 1662, when he 
paid over to the consistory the sum of 78 guilders 
and 10 stivers, for fourteen marriage fees received 
by him. 

The following is a list of ministers of the Dutih 
Reformed Church, who officiated in the church on 
this Island, (with the exception of Polhemus, and 
Solinus,) taken from a manuscript of the Rev. Pe- 
ter Lowe. 

Joannes Magapolensis. probably died 1(368. 

( 'asperus Van Zuren, do 1677. 

Clark, do 1695. 

William Lupardus, do 1709. 

Bernardus Freeman,( si ) from 1702, to 1741. 

Vincintius Antonides, from 1715, to 174-1. 

Joannes Arondeus, probably died, 1742. 

Anthony Curtenius, from 1730, to 1756. 

Dlpianus Van Sinderen, from 1747, to 1706. 

John Casper Rubel, from 1760, to 1797. 

Martinus Schoonmaker, from 1785, to 1824. 

[This venerable pastor was 88 years of age at 
his death ; and a short time previous, officiated in 
four congregations.] 

Peter Lowe, from 1787, to ISIS. 

(22) This minister was naturalized in the Court of Sessions for Kings 
Countv, November 8, 1715. 

7* 



78 



In the month of April, 1708, fifty-seven of the 
inhabitants of Brooklyn, entered into an agreement 
(which is written in Dutch) to call a minister from 
Holland, to preach in the church of this town. The 
elders of the church at that time were, Daniel Rap- 
alie, and Jores Hanse. 

The salary of the Clerk of the Church in this 
town was formerly raised by a tax on the whole 
town. At a town meeting, held February 1, 1568, 
It was resolved, that the sum of £20 10s. should be 
raised, and paid into the hands of the " church 
masters" for "the widow of Hendrick Sleght, ffor 
1 year and 8 months salary, and being Clarke off 
the churche." 

The following singular proceeding may be amus- 
ing to some readers, and Mill serve to shew to what 
extremes, both the people and the magistrates car- 
ried themselves in former times Hendrick Vechte, 
Esq. a Justice of the Peace, was presented at the 
Kings County Sessions, May 1-1, 1710, tor coming 
into the Brooklyn Church, on Sunday, August 10, 
1709, "with his pen and ink in his hand, taking of 
peoples names, and taking up one particular mans 
hatt up, and in disturbance of the minister and peo- 
ple in the service of God, &c." Vechte's plea was 
that in obedience to an order of the Governor he 
did go into the church as alledged, " to take notice 
of the persons that were guilty of the forcible entry 
made into the Church, that by Abram Brower, and 
others, by breaking of said Church doore with force 
and arms, forcibly entering into said Church, not- 
withstanding the forewarning of Mr. Freeman the 
minister, and his people to the contrary " The 
Court found that Justice Vechte was not guilty of 
a breacheof the peace, and discharged him. It must 
be remembered that Justice Vechte was a member 
of the Court. There was a considerable difference 



79 

of opinion and many disputes among the inhabit- 
ants of this town and of the County, as to the right 
of the Rev. Mr. Freeman to preach ; into the merits 
of which controversy, it is not to lie expected that the 
Compiler can enter at this distant day. Excepting 
the above proceeding of the Court, the only docu- 
ment which the Compiler has been able to obtain 
relative to this controversy is a letter from Henry 
Fulkin, Esq. to the Secretary at New- York, which 
will be found in the Appendix marked with the let- 
ter D. 

December IS, 1814, the Trustees of the Dutch 
Reformed Church of the town of Brooklyn were 
incorporated. At which time the following gentle- 
men were officers of the Church. 

Martinas Schoonmaker, ) , T . . . 
Peter Lowe, f Meters. 

Elders. 

Fernandus Suvdam, Walter Berry. 

Jeremiah Johnson, John Lefferts. 

Deacons. 

Jeremiah Brower, Lambert Schenck, 

Abraham De Bevoise, Abraham Remsen. 

The present officers of this Church are, 
Rev. S. S. Woodkull, D. D. Pastor. 

Ehh rs. 

Leffert Lefferts, Tunis Joralemon, 

David Anderson, Nehemiah Denton. 

Deacons. 

Theodoras Polhemus, James De Bevoise, 
Adrian Hegeman, Adriance Van Brunt. 

September IS, 1785, an " Independent Meeting 



80 



House," was incorporated at this place. The offi- 
cers of which were : 

John Matlock, Pastor, 
George Wall, Assistant, 
John Carpenter, Treasurer, 
George Powers, Secretary. 

Trustees. 

William Bunton, John Emery, 

Robert Steath, William Hi n son. 

Barnard Cordman, 

Their place of worship was a frame building on 
what is now the Episcopalian burying ground in 
Fulton-street. This congregation continued but a 
short time, in consequence of the seceding of its 
members to the Episcopalian Church, which was 
soon after established in this place. 

The first celebration of Divine Service, after the 
manner of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in this 
town, subsequent to the Revolution, was at the old 
brick house known as No. 40 Fulton-street, and 
now owned by Mr. Abiel Titus. 

About the year 1787, the Episcopal Church was 
established in Brooklyn, under the pastoral care of 
the Rev. Mr. Wright, at the house on the north-east 
corner of Fulton and Middagh-streets ; which 
house was fitted up with pews, &c. 
• April 23, 1787, "The Episcopal Church of 
Brooklyn " was incorporated. The following are 
the names of the first 

Trustees. 

Whitehead Cornell, Joshua Sands, 

Joseph Sealy, Aquila Giles, 

Mathew Gleaves, Henry Stanton, 
John Yau Nostrand. 



81 



This congregation afterwards came into posses- 
sion of the place of worship hefore used by the In- 
dependent Congregation, and continued to worship 
in that edifice until they erected the Stone Church 
called " St. Ann's Church," on Sands-street. 

June 22, 1795. The Episcopal Church in this 
town was re-organized and incorporated l>v the 
name of " St. Ann's Church." 00 

Chwrch Wardens. 
John Van Nostrand, and George Powers. 

Vestrymen. 
Joshua Sands, Aquila Giles, 

I'aulDurel, John Cornell, 

Joseph Fox, Gilbert Van Mater. 

William Carpenter, Robert Stoddard. 

The congregation at the same time resolved, 
that Monday in Easter week should be the time of 
their future elections for Church officers. 

The stone church which was erected on Sands- 
street, has continued to the present time ; but is now 
in bad repair, in consequence of the walls not hav- 
ing been properly erected. The Vestry passed a 
vote for erecting a new church to front on Wash- 
ington-street, the corner stone of which was laid 
March 31, 1821. The new edifice is fast progress- 
ing, and promises to be a great ornament to the 
place. 

The present officers of St. Ann's Church are, 
Rev. Henry U. Onderdonk, Rector. 

Church Wardens. 

William Cornwell, and Joshua Sands. 

Vestrymen. 

James B. Clark, John H. Moore, 

Robert Bach, Robert Carter, 

Adam Tredwell, Losee Van Nostrand, 

Fanning C. Tucker, A. H. Van Bokkelen. 

William Cornwell, Treasurer. 



82 



May 19, 1794, the "First Methodist Episcopal 
Church" in this town was incorporated. 1 " 3 The 
Trustees at which period were, 

John Garrison, Stephen Hendrickson, 

Thomas Van Pelt, Richard Everit, 

Burdet Stryker, Isaac Moser. 

The present Meeting-house of this denomination 
is erected on the site of their first place of worship, 
on Sands-street ; and is a neat, plain edifice. The 
present officers are, 

Rev. William Ross, Pastor in charge. 
Trustees. 
John Garrison, George Smith, 

Isaac Moser, Isaac JMostrand, 

William Foster, John G. Murphy, 

Jacob Brown, R. Van Voris. 

Andrew Mercein. 

Isaac Moser, Treasurer. 
January 12, 1818, The " African Wesleyan Me- 
thodist Episcopal Church in the village of Brook- 
lyn," incorporated. 

First Trustees. 
Peter Croger, Benjamin Croger, 

Israel Jemisou, John E. Jackson, 

Ceasar Sprong. 

The place of worship of this Congregation is a 
frame meeting house situate on High-street. 

March 13, 1822. The " First Presbyterian 
Church of Brooklyn " was incorporated. EE 
First Trustees. 
Jehiel Jaggar, Elkanah Doolittle, 

Nathaniel Howland, Joseph Sprague, 

Silas Butler, Alden Spooner, 

John B. Graham, George Hall, 

Charles H. Richards. 



83 

The corner stone of this church was laid, April 
15, 1822. The Church is situate on Cranberry- 
street ; and is a very handsome brick building, 
something in the Gothic style. The present officers 
are, 

Eev. Joseph Sanford, Pastor. 

Elders. 
Zechariah Smith, Selden Gates. 

Ezra C. Woodhull. 

Trustees. 
Alden Spooner, George Hall, 

Edward Coope, Nathaniel Howland, 

Henry W. Warner, Benjamin Meeker, 

Elkanah Doolittle, Joseph Sprague, 

Silas Butler. 

Elkanah Doolittle, President of the Board, 
Silas Butler, Clerk do 

Nathaniel W. Sanford, Treasurer 
November 20, 1822. "St. James Soman Ca- 
tholic Church," incorporated. FF 

First Trustees. 
George S. Wise, Jun. William Purcell, 

Peter Turner, James Eose, 

Patrick Scanlan, Darby Dawson, 

William M'Laughlin. 

The corner stone of this Church was laid, June 
25, 1822. The edifice is of brick, and approaches 
nearer to the Gothic architecture than any other 
building in this town. It is yet unfinished. This 
is the first Soman Catholic Church erected on 
Long-Island. The present Trustees are, 

, President.(' 2 3 ) 

Peter Turner, Secretary, 

(23) This office was held by George S. Wise, Jun. Esq. until his 
death in November, 1824. 



84 

William Pureed, Treasurer, 
James Rose, 
Darby Dawson, 
William McLaughlin, 
Patrick Scanlan. 

October 15, 1823. The "First Baptist Church 
in Brooklyn " incorporated. 

Trustees. 
Eliakim Raymond, Elijah Lewis. 

John Brown, Richard Poland, 

Charles P. Jacobs. 

March 24, 1824. Rev. William C. Hawley was 
ordained Pastor of this Church. This congrega- 
tion have as yet, erected no building for public wor- 
ship ; but assemble for that purpose in the District 
School room No. 1. 

There are also in this town some of the denomi- 
nation of Friends, and a small congregation of 
Universalists ; neither of which have established 
places of public worship. The Universalists are 
under the pastoral care of the Rev. William Mit- 
chill, ami assemble for Divine service in the District 
School room, No. 1. 

In the present year, this town purchased of Lef- 
fert Lefferts, Esq. a small farm situate at the Walla- 
boght; a portion of which was sel off for a bury- 
ing ground, and divided into convenient parcels; 
which were allotted in the following manner to the 
different congregations worshipping in the town, 
viz. 

No. 1. Dutch Reformed, 5. Methodist Episcopalian, 
i'. Friends, C. Universalist, 

3. Presbyterian, 7. Episcopalian, 

4. Roman Catholic, 8. Baptist, 

'J. Common. 



85 

Si Gond, Markets. 
A market was established in this town as early 
as the year 1676, which will appear from the fol- 
lowing order of the General Court of Assizes, made 
in the month of October, 1675. " Upon proposal! 
of having a fayre and Markett in or neare this City. 
(New- York') It is ordered, That after this season, 
there shall yearely bee kept a fayre and markett at 
Breucklen near the ferry, for all grayne, cattle, or 
other produce of the countrey, to be held the first 
Munday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, in November; 
and in' the City of New-York, the Thursday, Fri- 
day, and Saturday following." 

Previous to the year lsU, there were two mar- 
ket- in this place ;' one of which was situate at the 
foot of the old ferry-street ; and the other at the 
foot ofMain-street. GG Both these markets were taken 
down in 1814. 

At present we have no public market ; the in- 
habitants are supplied from several butcher's shops 
for the sale oi meat, and stands for vegetables, 
scattered about in different parts of the village.— 
The people have been for some time past endeav- 
ouring to obtain a public market, and the great 
ditficultv appears to be the location of a proper 
site. At a village meeting, held June 26, 1824, 
the sum of $10,000 was voted to erect a brick mar- 
ket house and Village Hall, with other offices. This 
amount it was resolved, should be raised by a loan 
for not less than ten years, at six per cent; and 
that the proceeds of the market arising from the 
letting of stalls. &c. should he appropriated to pay- 
ing the interest of said loan ; and that if in process 
of°time there should he a surplus, after paying the 
interest, the same should be converted into a sink- 
ing fund for extinguishing the principal. These re- 
solutions have not as vet been carried into effect. 

8 



86 
Thud, Public Institutions. 



• 



Of public institutions we have not many to boast 
— they may be strictly confined to one Bank, a 
Fire Insurance Company, and an Apprentices' Li- 
brary. 

The " Long-Island Bank " was incorporated, 
April l>t, 1824, with a capital of $300,000, divided 
into six thousand shares of §50 each. The present 
officers are, Leffert Lefferts, Esq. President, and 
I). Embury, < Jashier. 

The "Brooklyn Fire Insurance Company " was 
incorporated. April 3, 1824, with a capital of 
$150,000, divided into six thousand shares of s-Jo 
each. The present officers of this institution are, 
William Furman, Fresident, and Freeman Hop- 
kins, Secretary. 

There is also in this village a branch of the 
"Equitable Fire Insurance Company"; of which 
Abraham Vanderveer, Esq. is Agent. 

The Apprentices' Library Association, which 
has been formed hut a short time, promises to be of 
great benefit to the apprentices of the place, by in- 
troducing among them, habits of reading and re- 
flection, which, if properly attended to, will enable 
them to support the honourable character of good 
citizens. 

The Library at present consists of about twelve 
hundred volumes, which have been presented by 
different individuals. About one hundred appren- 
tices take books from it, regularly once a week. — 
This institution was incorporated by an act of the 
Legislature, passed in November, 1S24. The pre- 
sent officers are. 

Robert Snow, President ; Thomas Kirk, Vice- 
President ; Andrew Mercein, Treasurer; Robert 
Xicholls, Secretary."" 



87 

Under this head it may be proper to notice, that 
there are two Masonic lodges in this town, and a 
Post office. 

Fortitude Lodge, No 81.— "W". Levi Porter. 
Master. 

llohenlinden Lodge, No. 338. — W. Abiathar 
Young, Master. 

The Post office is kept at No. 97 Fulton-street, 
by George L. Birch, Esq. Post Master. The mail 
is carried daily (Sundays excepted) between Brook- 
lyn and Xew-York, and closes at Brooklyn at 8 
A. M. and arrives at -t P. M. 

POPULATION AND INCREASE. 

Within a few years this town, and particularly the 
village has increased very rapidly. In 1S14, the 
town of Brooklyn contained 3805 inhabitants; and 
in 1816, the town contained 4402 inhabitants. In 
1820, the census was as follows, (being almost two 
thirds of the population of the County, i 

White males, under 10 years of age, 876 
do between In and 16 376 

do between 16 and 26 717 

do between 26 and 15 961 

do between 15 and upwards 379 



:Wi)ii 



White females, under 10 years of age, 876 
do between 10 and 16 39S 

do between 16 and 26 705 

do between 26 and 45 961 

do between 45 and upwards 379 



3319 

Free blacks, 657 

Slave-. - - 190 

717:. 



88 

Foreigners not naturalized - - 252 

Persons engaged in Agriculture, - - 264 
do in Commerce, - - 67 

do in Manufactures, - - 497 

The following account of the population of Kings 
County at different periods, may not be uninterest- 
ing to many readers. 
The population of Kings Coun- 
ty in 1731 was 2150 



1756 


2707 


1771 


3623 


1786 


3966 


17: mi 


4495 


1800 


5740 


1810 


8303 


1820 


11187( 84 ) 



(2-4) Governor Nicolls in a letter to the Duke of York, November, 
1665, informed him, " that such is the mean condition of this town, (New- 
York) that not one soldier to this day has lain in sheets, or upon any 
other bed than canvass and straw. 

1678. New-Y'ork contained 343 houses, and 3430 inhabitants; and 
there were owned in the City, three ships, eii£ht sloops and seven boats. 
1686. Tne City of New-Ycrk contained 594 bouses, and 6000 in- 
habitants; and there were owned in it, 10 three masted vessels of be- 
tween 80 and 100 tons; 3 ketches, or barques, of about 40 tons; and 
about 20 sloops, of 25 tons. In the same year, the militia of the colony 
consisted of 4000 foot, 300 horse, and one company of dragoons. 

1696. There were owned in the city of New-Y'ork, 40 ships, 62 
sloops, and 62 boats. 

In 1697, the population of New-York has considerably decreased, 

from what it was in 1686 ; the census taken this vear was as follows : 

Men, - - - *- 946 

Women, - 1018 

Y'oung men and boys, - 864 

Young women and girls - 899 

3727 



Whites 



<Men, 209 

Blacks, - Women - 205 

(Boys and girls - - 161 575 

Total. 43U2 

1731. The City of New-Y'ork contained 

White males - 3771 

White females, - 3274 7045 



89 



In 170G, There were 64 freeholders in the town 
of Brooklyn. In 1802, their number had only in- 
creased to SO, as appears from the list of Jurors at 
that period. In the year 1800, there were 253 votes 
given in this town, at a contested election for as- 
semblyman. In 1*24, on the same occasion 1013 
votes were taken. 

At the close of the Revolutionary war, the town 
of Brooklyn within the bounds of the present vil- 
lage contained 56 buildings. In 1821, the village 
contained SC>7 buildings ; of which 96 were Gro- 
ceries and Taverns, and several store-houses. — 
These store-houses depend principally, on the ope- 
ration of the Quarantine laws, in the months of 
June, July and August, for business. On the 23d 
of July in the same year, there were lying at the 
wharves in this village, 13 ships, 9 brigs, S schoon- 
ers, and 1-1 sloops. .Inly 1, 1824, there were lying 
at the wharves in this village, 8 ships, 10 brigs, 20 
schooners, and 12 sloops. 

In 1822. 50 dwelling houses were erected in this 
village. In 1823, 122 frame dwelling and 32 brick 
and brick front buildings were erected. January 1, 
1824, the village of Brooklyn contained 113 stone, 
brick, and brick front buildings. During the present 
year 143 frame dwelling-houses have been built in 
this village. 

Black males, - 785 

Black females, ----- 792 1577 

Total. 8622 

1756. The City contained 10,881 inhabitants. 

1771. It contained 21,863 inhabitants. 

1786. It contained 3340 houses, and 23,614 inhabitants. 

1790. It contained 33131 inhabitant. 

1800. 60489 

1810. 96373 

1820. 139000 

8 * 



90 



The town contains 8 Ropewalks, which manu- 
facture 1130 tons of cordage annually ; 1 Distil- 
leries ; 2 Spirits of Turpentine Distilleries ; 1 Glue 
factory ; 1 Chain cable manufactory ; 2 Tanneries ; 
2 White lead works ; 1 Whiting manufactory ; 1 
Glass factory and 1 Furnace for casting iron. The 
manufacture of Hats is conducted on a large scale 
in this place. 

In the year 1703, a survey was made of " Broock- 
lands improveahle lands and meadows within fence,'' 
and the same was found to amount to 5177 acres. 
At that period the greatest holder of that descrip- 
tion of land was Simon Aersen, who owned 200 
acres. In 17<Ki, all the real and personal estates of 
the town of Brooklyn were assessed at £3122 12s. 
Od. The tax on which was £41 3s. 7£d and the 
whole tax on the county £201 16s. l£d. In 1707, the 
real and personal estates of this town assessed at 
£3091 lis Od, The government tax on which, was 
for the same year £116 7s 3d, payable in two 
payments ; and the whole tax (if the county £'41s ."» 
7d. The present year, the real estate in this town 
was assessed at $2,111,390. And the personal es- 
tate at $488,690 ; being considerably more than 
one half of the whole value of the county. The 
State, county and town tax on which amounts to 
$6,497 71. At this period there are in the village 
114D taxable persons, and the village tax amounts 
to $2625 7<>, averaging about £:> 29, each taxable 
person. This village tax includes $450 raised to 
meet the expenses of the Board of Health, and is 
exclusive of all local assessments for ojiening and 
improving streets. Arc. 

The receipts of the overseers of the poor of this 
town for the year 1S23, amounted to $3108 77, and 
their expenditures to $3169 4!», leaving a balance 
of §300 72 against the town. 



91 



On the 22d of March, 1823, there were 54 per- 
sons in the Alms-house ; 51 persons were admitted 
during the year ending March 30, 1824. During 
the same period, 34 were discharged, and 10 died. 
March 30, 1824, there were in the Alms-house 40 
persons, viz. 11 men, 16 women, 5 girls, and 8 
boys. In the winter of 1823-4, 93 loads of wood 
were distributed from this institution among the 
poor of the town.(' 26 ) 

April 21, 1701, a piece of land about 100 feet 
square, lying within the present bounds of the vil- 
lage of Brooklyn, was sold for £75, " current 
money of the Province of New- York." 1720 a 
dwelling-house and lot of ground containing 62 
feet front, 61 feet rear, and 111 feet deep, near the 
ferry, on the north-east side of what is now called 
Fulton-street, sold for £260, " current money of 
New- York. In the year 17S4, all the property 
owned by the Corporation of the City of New- York 
in this town was assessed at £365, New- York cur- 
rency ; which property is now worth $50,000 at the 
lowest calculation. 

August 30, 1701. John Bybon sold to Cornelius 
Vunderhove, for £37 10s, the one equal half part 
of a brewhouse, situate at Bedford, in the town of 
Brookland, fronting the highway leading from Bed- 
ford to Cripplebush ; together with one equal half 
part of all the brewing vessels, &c. 

In 1685, a Windmill was erected in this town by 
John Vannise and Peter Hendricks, for Michael 
Ilainell. There is great reason to believe that this 
was the first mill erected in \h\> town. August 19, 
16S9, an agreement was entered into between Cor- 
nelius Seberingh of Brookland, and John Marsh of 
East Jersey, relative to building a water mill on 

(25) The town is now erecting a ver)' neat building for an Alms- 
house, on the property lately purchased from Leffert Lefferts, Escjr. 



92 

Graver's kill in this town. At present there are in 
this town seven water mills and two wind mills. — 
From February 16, 1823, to February 15, 1824, 
5825 barrels of superfine flour, 260 barrels of tine 
flour, and 124 hogsheads of corn meal were inspect- 
in this county, The must, if not all of which flour 
and meal was manufactured at the mills in this 
place. 



May 1661, Charles Debevoice was recommend- 
ed by Gov. Stuyvesant as a suitable person for 
schoolmaster of this town, and also for clerk and 
sexton of the church, who was employed and re- 
ceived a good salary. 

Immediately previous to the Revolutionary war, 
that part of the town of Brooklyn which is now 
comprised in the bounds of the village, and for 
some distance without those bounds, supported but 
one school, of 19 scholars, five of whom were out 
of the family of Mr. Andrew Patchen. The school- 
house was situated on the hill, on property which 
was then owned by Israel Horstield, but now be- 
longs to the heirs of Carey Ludlow, deceased. — 
The teacher was Benjamin Brown, a staunch whig 
from Connecticut. 

District School, No. 1. This school was organ- 
ized at a public meeting, held Jan. 2, 1816, at which 
meeting Andrew Mercein, John Seaman, and Ro- 
bert Snow were elected trustees, and John Dough- 
ty clerk of the school. The trustees were appointed 
a committee to ascertain a proper site for building 
a school-house, and report the probable expense 
thereof. At a meeting held January 12, 1816, the 
trustees reported that they could purchase four lots 
of ground on Concord street, of Mr. Noah Water- 
bury, for $550. The meeting thereupon resolved. 



93 



that " the sum of $2000 should be raised by tax on 
the inhabitants of the said district, to purchase said 
lots and to build a school-house thereon;" and 
that in the mean time the " Loisian school be the 
common school of the said district;" and that 
" the trustees of the district be authorized to exon- 
erate from the payment of teacher's wages all such 
poor and indigent persons as they shall think pro- 
per, pursuant to the act of the legislature ; " and 
that "it be recommended by this meeting, that the 
common school to be taught in this district, be on 
the Lancastrian plan of instruction." 

In the school of this district, which includes the 
village of Brooklyn, upwards of 200 children are 
taught. The price of tuition does not exceed four 
dollars per annum, and from that amount down to 
nothing, in proportion to the abilities of the pa- 
rent. The school District Xo 1, at present con- 
tains 1007, children between the ages of 5 and 15 
years, of whom 1157 go to the public or private 
schools. 

In 1821, there were eight private schools in the 
village of Brooklyn. 

In 1823 the town received from the state $4-18 13 
for the support of common schools. 

The present officers connected with the common 
schools of the town are — 

Commissioners. Jordan Coles, Robert Nichols, 
Josiah Noyes. 

Inspectors. Charles I. Doughty, Evan Beynon, 
Robert Snow. 

Trustees of District Srhnol ]\ T o. 1. William 
Cornwell, Joseph Sprague, Charles I. Doughty. — 
Gierke, Ralph Malbone. 

J\ T ewsjMj>< /'.v. 

Four newspapers have been published in this 
town in the following chronological order; 



94 



June 26, 1799. The first number of the " Cou- 
rier, and New-York and Long-Island Advertiser," 
published by Thomas Kirk, Esq. This was the 
first newspaper established on Long-Island." 

May 26, 1806. The first number of the " Long 
Island Weekly Intelligencer, published by Mess'rs. 
Robinson and Little. 

June 1, 1809. The first number of the " Lons 
Island Star." published by Thomas Kirk, Esq. 

March 7, 1821. The first number of the " Long 
Island Patriot," published by Geo. L. Birch, Esq. 

In the month of November, 1810, proposals were 
issued by Benjamin F. Cowdrey, & Co. for estab- 
lishing in Brooklyn a weekly newspaper, to be en- 
titled "The Long-Island Journal, and American 
Freeman." For some reason unknown to the com- 
piler this paper was Tint published. 

During the month of May, 1820, Brockholst 
Livingston, jun. issued proposals for publishing a 
weekly newspaper in this village, to be entitled the 
" Long Island Republican." Not meeting with 
sufficient encouragement, this attempt was aban- 
doned. 

The only two papers now in existence in this 
town, are " The Star," JJ published by Alden Spoon- 
er, Esq. and the " Long Island Patriot, " KK by George 
L. Birch, Esq, 

M<>r<il Character. 

It is a delicate subject for a writer to treat of the 
morals of a people among whorn he is a resident, 
lest by telling the truth too plainly, he awaken un- 
pleasant feelings in the breasts of some whom per- 
haps he would not wish to offend. On the other 
hand, if glaring faults are slightly passed over, or 
palliated, it calls down on his devoted head all the 
envenomed attacks of malicious criticism. The 



95 



compiler, however, flatters himself that neither will 
be the case in this instance. 

The people of Brooklyn, it is true, cannot he 
considered as rigid in religions matters as the saints 
of Oliver Cromwell's army, whose very cannon had 
on the inscription of ".O, Lord, open thou our lips, 
and our mouth shall shew forth thy praise ! " But 
they are far from being irreligious ; the churches 
are well tilled, religious societies are liberally sup- 
ported, vice discountenanced ; and for the more 
effectual suppression thereof, in 1815, a society for 
the suppression of vice and immorality was formed, 
consisting of many of the most respectable inhabit- 
ants of the town. By the exertions of our Sunday 
school societies, attached to the different congrega- 
tions, the morals of the younger part of the com- 
munity have been greatly reformed ; and it is high- 
ly gratifying to observe the improvement made in 
the general morals, of the town, in consequence of 
their benevolent exertions. 

FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

Although this might with some propriety be pla- 
ced under the head of Piiblic Institution*, the com- 
piler has thought proper to make it ahead of itself; 
and he hopes that the following few historical facts 
relative to this valuable department, may lie useful 
to such as feel an interest in its progression and 
improvement. 

By an act passed by the legislature of this state. 
March 15, 1788, "for the better extinguishing of 
fires in the town of Brooklyn," the number of fire- 
men was limited to eight, who were nominated and 
appointed by the freeholders and inhabitants of the 
fire district, which was comprised within nearly the 
same bounds with the present village. 



96 



In the year 1794 the sum of £188 19s. 10d. was 
raised by subscription in this town, for purchasing 
a fire engine. On the 24th March in the following 
year, an act was passed by the legislature " for the 
better extinguishing of tires" in this town; by 
which act the number of firemen was increased to 
thirty. 

1796. The sum of £49 4s was raised by sub- 
scription for purchasing " a suitable bell for the 
use of the town of Brooklyn." This is the present 
fire hell. 

March 21, 17'.»7, an act was passed by the legis- 
lature " for the prevention of fires, and for regula- 
ting the assize of bread, in the town of Brooklyn." 
This act authorised the inhabitants to choose not 
less than three nor more than five freeholders, who 
might from time to time make such prudential by- 
laws as they judged necessary, for the prevention 
of tires by the burning of chimneys, and for sweep- 
ing and otherwise cleansing the same. The inhab- 
itants accordingly met on the second Tuesday of 
May, in the same year, and appointed Mess'rs. 
Henry Stanton, John Doughty, Martin lioeruni. 
John Van Nostrand, and John Fisher, to carry into 
effect the provisions of the above aet. In the exe- 
cution of which duty the persons so appointed or- 
dained, that from and after the 11th day of July, 
1797, a fine of ten shillings should be levied on each 
person whose chimney should take fire through 
carelessness, or be set on fire for the purpose of 
cleansing ; and that " all penalties shall be received 
and recovered by the clerk of the fire company for 
the time being, it' lie lie one of the persons so cho- 
sen ; if not, the said persons elected shall nominate 
and appoint one of their number to serve for and 
receive in the same manner that the clerk is at pre- 
sent authorized." From 1798 to August 6, 1806, 
the sum of £20 7s. was received for chimney fines. 



97 

For aci msiderable length of time, this town had but 
one small tire engine ; they subsequently purchased 
another, which was called No. 2. About 1810, 
No. 3. now styled the " Franklin," was purchased 
by the inhabitants of the Fire District. The Fire 
Department of the village at present consists of four 
Fire Engines (of which three are new, namely, Nos. 
1, 2, and 4,) and a Hunk and Ladder Company, viz. 

No. 1, " Washington," full complement 30 men 
Foreman, Joshua Sutton. 

No. 2, " Neptune," full complement 30 men, 
Foreman, Gamaliel King. 

No. 3, " Franklin," full complement 30 men 
Foreman, Jeremiah Wells. 

No. 4, " Eagle," full complement 30 men. Fore- 
man, George Fricke. 

Hook and Ladder Company, full complement 
30 men, Foreman, John Smith." 

There are also in the Navy Yard, two excellent 
Fire Engines, well manned, and which, together 
with those from New- York, generously come to our 
assistance when ever our place is visited by that 
dreadful calamity, tire. 

The receipts of the Fire Department, from 1794 
to 1815, amounted to £898 Ins. i,|. and the ex- 
penditures from July 7. 1795, to November 15 

1816, amounted to £964 :is. 3d. 

The office of Clerk and Treasurer of the Fire 
Department of this town, was held by John Hicks, 
Esq. until 1796 ; at which time Join, Doughty, Esq! 
was appointed, who held that office until the incor- 
poration of the village in IMC, when he was ap- 
pointed Chief Engineer of the Fire Department of 
the village, which office he held for one year. In 

1817, William Furman, Esq. was appointed Chief 
Engineer, and officiated in that capacity until 1821 
when, on the resignation of Mr. Furman, John 

9 



98 

Doughty, Esq. was again appointed, and continues 
to hold the office. The present officers of the Fire 
Department are, 

John Doughty, Chief Engineer. 

Firr Wardens. Joseph Moser, Edward Coope, 
Joseph Sprague. 

April Ki. 1823, an act was passed by the Legis- 
lature of this state to incorporate the firemen of 
this village, by the name of the " Fire Department 
of the Village of Brooklyn." The act allows this 
corporation to hold, purchase, and convey any estate, 
real or personal for the use of the corporation ; pro- 
vided such real or personal estate shall not at any 
time exceed the yearly value of $1000. The fol- 
lowing officers were appointed by the act of incor- 
poration, viz. 

John Doughty, President. 
Joshua Sutton, Vice-President. 
Richard Cornwell, Secretary. 

Trustees. Jeremiah Wells, Morris Simonson, 
Michael Trapple, Joseph Moser, George Fricke, 
Gamaliel King, Simeon Back, Parshall Wells, 
George L. Birch. 

The laudable object proposed by this institution, 
is t<> raise a fund for the relief of widows and chil- 
dren of deceased firemen. 

By an amendment to the act of Incorporation of 
the village of Brooklyn, passed April 9, 1824, it is 
provided, " That all tines and penalties under any 
by-law of the said village, in relation to the burn- 
ing of chimneys, and for the preventing and extin- 
guishing of tires, and also, all lines and penalties 
either under such by-laws, or under any statute of 
this state, in relation to the manner of keeping and 
transporting gun-powder within the said village, 
shall be sued for in the name of the said Trustees, 
(of the village of Brooklyn) by the fire department 



99 



of the said village, and when recovered shall be paid 
to the said fire department, for their own use." 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

June 7, 1625, Sarah De Bapalje, born in this 
town. Tradition says that she was the first white 
child born in the colony. Her parents were Wal- 
loons; from whence is derived the name of Walla- 
boght, or Walloons Bay, where they lived.( !e ) She 
was twice married. Her first husband was Hans 
Hanse Bergen, by whom she had six children, viz. 
Michael Hanse, Joris Hanse, Jan Hanse, Jacob 
Hanse, Brechje Hanse, and Marytje Hanse. Her 
second husband was Tennis Guysbertse Bogart, by 
whom she also had six children, viz. Aurtie Bogart, 
Antje Bogart, Neeltje Bogart, Aultje Bogart, Oate- 
lyntje Bogart, and Gnysbert Bogart. The account 
of Sarah De Rapelje in the archives of the New- 
York Historical Society contains the names of the 
persons to whom eleven of her children were mar- 
ried, and tells the places where they settled. The 
twelfth, Brechje Hanse went to Holland. LL 

March 1, 1665, Hendrick Lubbertson and John 
Evertsen, appeared as deputies from the town of 
Brooklyn, at the Assembly convened at Hemp- 
stead, by order of Richard Nicolls, Deputy Gover- 
nor under the Duke of York ; at which assembly 
the code of laws called the " Duke's Laws " were 
adopted and published. In the appendix marked 
E. will be found the address which these deputies, 
together with the others, sent to the Duke of York ; 
and which occasioned so much excitement in the 
Colony at that period. 

(26) The first settlement in this town was made by George Jansen 
De Rapalje, the father of Sarah in 1625, on the farm which is now own- 
ed by the family of the Schencks at the Wal'aboght.^ 1 



100 



1671, This town, with five other towns in the 
West Riding of Yorkshire upon Long-Island, peti- 
tioned the Court of Sessions " for liberty to trans- 
port wheate," which petition was referred to the 
Governor. 

16S7. The Clerk's office of Kings County was kept 
in this town, by the Deputy Register, Jacob Van- 
dewater, who was also a Notary Public in this town 
at the same period. The Register, Samuel Bay- 
ard, Esq. resided in the city of New-York. 

About the year 1691, there was a custom pre- 
valent in this town of calling a widow the " last 
wife" of her deceased husband ; and a widower the 
" last man " of his deceased wife. 

The following is an Inventory of the estate which 
a bride in this town brought with her to her hus- 
band in the year 1691. The husband by various 
records appears to have been a man of considerable 
wealth; notwithstanding which, the following in- 
ventory was thought by both of them, of sufficient 
importance to merit being recorded, viz. 

" A half worn bed, pillow, 2 cushions of ticking 
with feathers, one rug, 4 sheets, 4 cushion covers, 
2 iron potts, 3 pewter dishes, 1 pewter bason, 1 iron 
roaster, 1 sehuryn spoon, 2 cowes about five yeares 
old, 1 case or cupboard, 1 table." 

November 12, 1695, the Court of Sessions for 
Kings County, ordered that the Constable of this 
towns, '• shall on Sunday or Sabbathday take law 
for the apprehending of all Sabbath breakers," and 
" search all ale houses, taverns and other suspected 
places for all prophaners and breakers of the Sab- 
bath daye," and bring them before a Justice of the 
Peace to be dealt with according to law. Tins was 
to be done by the Constable under the penalty of 
six shillings for each neglect or default. 



101 



The same Court also made an order, " that Mad 
James be kept by Kings County in General, and 
that the deacons of each towne within the said coun- 
ty doe forthwith meet together and consider about 
their propercons for maintainence of said James." 
This is the first instance which has come to the 
compiler's knowledge of the Court making an order 
for the county generally to support a pauper. 

In the year 1758, the sum of £122 ISs. 7d. was 
assessed in two assessments, by the Justices of the 
Peace, on this town, towards building " a new 
Court house and gaol " for Kings County. The 
whole amount assessed on the County was £448 
4s. Id. 

The present Court house of Kings County, was 
built by contract in the year 1702, at an expense 
of $2944, 71, under the superintendence of John 
Vanderbilt, Johannes E. Lott, and Charles Dough- 
ty, Esq'rs. The contractor was Thomas Fardon, 
and plans were furnished for the building by Messrs. 
Stanton and Newton, and James Robertson. (* ') I ™ 

(*27) In 1700 tbe Court House was let to James Simson for one year, 
at L3 "in money." In this agreement, "the Justices reserved for 
themselves tbe Chamber in the said house, called the Court Chamber, 
at the time of their publique Sessions, Courts of Common Pleas, and 
private meetings ; as also the room called the prison for the use of the 
Sheriff, if he hath occasion for it." 



9* 



APPENDIX. 

A. 

Deed from William Morris and wife to the Corporation 
of yew-York. 

This Indenture made the twelfth day of October, in 
the sixth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord and 
Lady William and Mary, by the grace of God, of En- 
gland, Scotland, France, and Ireland, King and Queen, 
defenders of the faitb, etc. and in the year of our Lord 
one thousand six hundred and ninety-four, between Wil- 
liam Morris, now of the ferry, in the bounds of the 
town of Breuchlen, in Kings County, on Long-Island, 
Gentleman, and Rebecca his wife of the one part, and 
tin Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the City of 
New-York, of the other part, Witnesseth, that the said 
William Morris, by and with the consent of Rebecca 
hi- -aid wife, testified by her being a party to the seal- 
ing and delivery of these presents, for, and in consider- 
ation of a certain sum of g'>od and lawful money to him, 
at and before tbe sealing and delivery hereof, by the 
said Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty, in hand well 
and truly paid, the receipt whereof he the said William 
Mollis doth hereby acknowledge, and thereof and there- 
from and of and from all and every part thereof, he 
doth hereby acquit, exonerate and discharge the -aid 
Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty, and their succes- 
sors forever, hath granted, bargained, sold, as^io-ned, 
conveyed and confirmed, and by these presents doth 
grant, bargain, sell, assign, convey and confirm unto 
the said Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the said 
city of New-York, and their successors forever, All that 
messuage or dwelling house and lot of ground there- 
unto adjoining and belonging, with the appurtenances, 
situate, lying and being at the ferry, in the bounds of 
the town of Breucklen, in Kings County aforesaid, now 
aud late in the possession of him, the said William 



103 



Morris; as also one small house, now in the possession 
of one Thomas Hock, lying in the said City of New- 
York, over against the ferry aforesaid, Together with all 
and singular houses, barns, stables, yards, backsides, 
wharfs, easements, benefits, emoluments, hereditaments, 
and appurtenances to the same messuage or dwelling 
house and premises belonging, or in any wise apper- 
taining, and the reversion and reversions, remainder and 
remainders, rents, issues, and profits of all and singular 
the premisses and the appurtenances, and all the estate, 
right, title interest, property, possession, claim and de- 
mand of him the said William Morris and Rebecca his 
said wife, of, in, unto or out of the said messuage, or 
dwelling house and premises, or, of, in, unto, or out of, 
all or any part or parcel thereof, and all and singular 
grants, deeds, escripts, minuments, writings and evi- 
dences, touching, relating to or concerning the above- 
mentioned, to be bargained, messuage or dwelling house 
and all and singular, the premises with the heredita- 
ments and appurtenances to the same belonging, or any 
part thereof, unto the said Mayor, Aldermen and Com- 
monalty of the City of New-York, aforesaid, and their 
successors unto the only proper use, benefit and behoof 
of the said Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the 
City of New- York aforesaid, their successors and assigns 
forever. In witness, ifcc. (28) 

A Warrant for enforcing the payment of a town tax in 

the town of Broohlyn. 

Whereas there was an order or towne lawe by the 

ffreeholders of the towne of Brooklyn, in Kings County 

aforesaid, the 5th day of May, 1701, ffor constituting 

(28) The above deed to the Corporation of New-York did not extend 
to the River. January 15, 1717, Samuel Garritsen, of Gravesend, quit- 
claimed to David Aorsen of Brooklyn, all his right and title to a piece 
of land, " lying next to the house and land belonging to the City of New- 
York, bounded north-west bv the River, south-east by the bighwav that 
goes to the ferry, sonth-west by the house and land belonging to the 
City of New-York, and north-east by the house and land belonging to 
the said John Rapalje, containing one acre be the same more or less." 
On the 16th day of the same month, David Aersen sold this propertv to 
Gerrit Harsum of New- York, Gunsmith, for the sum of £108 current 
money of New-York. 



104 

and appointing of Trustrees to defend tlie lights of 
their quondam common wood lands, and to raise a tax 
ffor the same to defray the charge of that and theire 
towne debts, &c. which said lawe has bin since ffurtln-r 
confirmed by said ffreeholdcrs at a towne meeting at 
Bedford, the 11th of Aprill, 1702, and since approved 
of and confirmed by a Court of Sessions, held at Fflat- 
bush, in said County the 13th day of May, 1702. And 
whereas by virtue of said lawe, a certaine small tax was 
raised on the (freeholders in said towne proportionally 
to defray the charges aforesaid : And now upon com- 
plaint of the said Trustees to us made, that A. B. has 
refused to pay his juste and due proporcon of said tax 
wch amounts to L\ 16s 0d, current money of New- 
York. These are therefore in her Majesty's name, to 
command you to summons A. B. personally to be and 
appeare before us, &c, then and there to answer C. D. 
E. F. Trustees of said towne of Brooklin, in an action 
of tresspass on the case, to the damage of the said C. D. 
E. F. L\ 16s Od, current money as aforesaid, as it is 
said, and have with you then there this precept. Giv- 
en, &c. 

B. 

Brookland, November 14th, 1753. A Town meeting 
called by warrant of Carel Debevois, Esq. and Jacobus 
Debevois, Esq. two of his Majesty's Justices for the 
township of Brookland, in the County of Kings, to elect 
and chuse Trustees to defend our Patent of Brookland 
against the Commonalty of the City of New-York. — 
And the Trustees so elected and chosen by the free- 
holders and inhabitants of the township of Brookland 
aforesaid, are as follows: Jacobus Lefferts, Peter Van- 
dervoort, Jacob Bemsen, Kern Remsen, and Nicholas 
Vechte. And we the hereunder subscribers being free- 
holders and inhabitants of the township of Brookland, by 
these presents do fully impower and authorize the 
abovesaid Trustees, Jacobus Lefferts, Peter Vande- 
voort, Jacob Remsen, Rem Remsen, and Nicholas 
Vechte, elected and chosen by the freeholders and in- 
habitants of the toyvnship of Brookland aforesaid, to de- 



105 



fend our patent where in any manner our liberties, pri- 
vileges and rights in our patent specified is incroached, 
lessened or taken away by the Commonalty of the City 
of New York. And that we hereunder subscribers of 
the township of Brookland, oblige ourselves, our heirs 
executors and administrators to pay to the abovesaid 
Trustees, all cost that they are at in protecting of the 
profits of our patent, and that money shall be collected 
in by the constable of our town. And that the above- 
said Trustees do oblige themselves to render upon oath 
a true account of all such moneys they have expended 
in protecting or defending our patent, to any person or 
persons, as the hereunder subscribers shall appoint for 
that purpose. And in defending our patent so that ver- 
dict shall come in our favour, where income of money 
or other profits should arise concerning the premises, 
all such profits or income should be kept towards de- 
fraying of all the necessary cost and charge of our town- 
ship of Brookland, till such time as it is altered by the 
majority. And that the Trustees should have 'three 
shillings per day for their service and no more. 



The Petition of Volkert Brier. 

To his Excellency. — The humble peticon of Vol- 
kert Brier, inhabitant of the towne of Broockland on 
the Island of Nassau. 

May it please your Excellency your petitioner being 
fined five pound last Court of Sessions, in Kings Coun- 
ty for tearing an execucon directed to him as Constable. 
Your peticoner being ignorant of the crime, and not 
thinking it was of force when he was out of his office 
or that he should have made returne of it as the lawe 
directs, he being an illiterate man could not read said <x- 
ecucon nor understand any thing of lawe: humbly prays 
yr Excellency yt you would be pleased to remit said 
fine of five pounds, yr peticoner being a poore man and 
not capaciated to pay said fine without great damage 
to himself and family. And for yr Excellecy yr peti- 
coner will ever pray, &c. 



106 



D. 

A Litter from Justice Ffilkin to the Secretary at 
JVew- York. 

Sir, — I am in expectation of a complaint coming to 
his Excellency by Coll. Beeckman against me, and that 
his Excellency may be rightly informed of the matter, 
my humble request to you is, that if such a thing hap- 
pen, be pleased to give his Excellency an account there- 
of, which is as follows : A Ffriday night last, the Jus- 
tices of the County and I came from his Excellency's; 
Coll. Beeckman happened to come over in the fferry 
boat along with us, and as we came over the fferry, 
Coll. Beeckman and we went into the fferry house to 
drink a glass of wine, and being soe in company, there 
happened a dispute between Coll. Beeckman and my- 
self, adout his particular order that he lately made to 
Mr. Ffreeman, when he was President of the Councill, 
without the consent of the Councill; Coll. Beeckman 
stood to affirm there, before most of the Justices of 
Kings County, that said order, that he made then to 
Mr. Ffreeman as President only, was still in fforce, and 
that Mr. Ffreeman should preach at Broockland next 
Sunday according to that order; whereupon I said it 
was not in fforce, but void and of noe effect, and he had 
not in this County, any more power now than I have, 
being equall in commission with him in the general 
commission of the peace and one of the quorum as well 
as he; upon which he gave me affronting words, giv- 
ing me the lie and calling me pittimll fellow, dog, 
rogue, rascall, ifcc. which caused me, being overcome 
with passion, to tell him that I had a good mind to knock 
him off his horse, we being both at that time getting 
upon our horses to goe home, but that I would not goe, 
I would fight him at any time with a sword. I could 
wish that these last words had bin kept in, and I am 
troubled that I was soe overcome with passion and in- 
flamed with wine. The works of these Dutch minis- 
ters is the occasion of all our quarrells.(28) And this 

(28) The compiler congratulates his fellow citizens on the extinction 
of those national auimosities which in former times existed hetween the 
Dutch and English iu this our happy country. We may now truly ask 
with Sterne, "are we not all relations?" 



107 

is the truth of the matter, there was no blows offered, 
nor noe more done. Mr. Ffreeman has preached at 
Broockland yesterday accordingly, and the church doore 
was broke open, by whom it is not yet knowne. Soe I 
beg your pardon ffor this trouble, crave your favour in 
this matter, and shall alwayes remaine. 

Sir, your ffaithfu! and humble servant, 

H. FFILKIN. 

[E] 

The Address of the Deputies, asstmbled at Hempstead. 

We the deputies duly elected from the several towns 
upon Long-Island, being assembled at Hempstead, in 
general meeting, by authority derived from your royal 
highness unto the honorable Colonel Nicolls, as deputy 
governor, do most humbly and thankfully acknowledge 
to your royal highness, the great honor and satisfaction 
we receive in our dependence upon your royal highness 
according to the tenor of his sacred majesty's patent, 
granted the 12th day of March, 1664; wherein we ac- 
knowledge ourselves, our heirs and successors forever, 
to be comprised to all intents and purposes, as therein 
is more at large expressed. And we do publickly and 
unanimously declare our cheerful submission to all such 
laws, statutes and ordinances, which are or shall be 
made by virtue of authority from your royal highness, 
your heirs and successors forever : As also, that we 
will maintain, uphold, and defend, to the utmost of our 
power, and peril of us, our heirs and successors forever, 
all the rights, title, and interest, granted by his sacred 
majesty to your royal highness, against all pretensions 
or invasions, foreign or domestic ; we being already 
well assured, that, in so doing, we perform our duty of 
allegiance to his majesty, as freeborn subjects of the 
kingdom of England inhabiting in these his majesty's 
dominions. We do further beseech vour royal' high- 
ness to accept of this address, as the first fruits in this 
general meeting, for a memorial and record against us, 
our heirs and successors, when we or any of them shall 
fail in our duties. Lastly we beseech your royal high- 



108 



ness to take our poverties and necessities, in this wilder- 
ness country, into speedy consideration ; that, by con- 
stant supplies of trade, and your royal highnesses more 
particular countenance of grace to us, and protection of 
us, we may daily more and more be encouraged to be- 
stow our labors to the improvement of these his majes- 
ty's western dominions, under your royal highness; for 
whose health, long life, and eternal happiness, we shall 
ever pray, as in duty bound. 



List of the Deputies. 



New-Utrecht 

Gravesend 

Flatlands 

Flatbush 

Bush wick 

Brooklyn 

Newtown 

Flushing 

Jamaica 

Hempstead 

Oysterbay 

Huntington 

Brookhaven 

Southold 

Southampton 

Easthampton 

Westchester 



Jaques Cortelleau 
James Hubbard 
Elbert Elbertsen 
John Striker 
John Stealman 
Hendrick Lubbertson 
Richard Betts 
Elias Doughty 
Daniel Denton 
John Hicks 
John Underbill 
Jonas Wood 
Daniel Lane 
William Wells 
Thomas Topping 
Thomas Baker 
Edward Jessup 



Younger Hope 
John Bowne 
Roeloffe Martense 
Hendrick Gueksen 
Gisbert Tunis 
John Evertsen 
John Coe 
Richard Cornhill 
Thomas Benedict 
Robert Jackson 
Matthias Harvey 
John Ketcham 
Roger Barton 
John Youngs 
John Howell 
John Stratton 
Quinby 



The people of Long-Island considered the language 
of this address as too servile for freemen ; and were 
exasperated against the makers of it to such a decree 
that the court of assizes, in order to save the deputies 
from abuse, if not from personal violence, thought it 
expedient, at their meeting in October 1666, to declare 
that " whosoever hereafter shall any wayes detract or 
speake against any of the deputies signing the address 
to his royall highnes, at the general meeting at Hemp- 
stead, they shall bee presented to the next court of ses- 
sions, and if the justices shall see cause, they shall 



109 

from thence bee bound over, to the assizes, there to 
answer for the slander upon plaint or information." 

The deputies subsequently to the address made to 
the duke of York, made one to the people, in which 
they set forth their reasons for agreeing to the code 
stvled the duke's laws. 



10 



APPENDIX, No. 2. 

The following is a copy of the first charter by which 
the corporation obtained any color of title to the land 
between high and low water mark, on the Brooklyn side. 

" Anne, by the grace of God, of England, Scotland, 
France and Ireland, Queen, defender of the Faith, &c. 
To all whom these presents may in any wise con- 
cern, sendeth greeting. Whereas the mayor, alder- 
men, and commonalty of the city of New-York, by their 
petition to our trusty and well-beloved cousin Edward, 
Viscount Cornbury,( 2 9 ) our captain general and go- 
vernor in chief in and over our province of New-York, 
and territories depending thereon in America, and Vice 
Admiral of the same, «fcc. preferred in council ; therein 
setting forth, that they having a right and interest, un- 
der divers antient charters and grants, by divers former 
governors and commanders in chief of our said province 
of New-York,( 3 u ) under our noble progenitors, in a cer- 

(*29) ''Lord Combury came to this province in very indigent circum- 
stances, hunted out of England by a host of hungry creditor?, he was 
bent on getting as much money as he could squeeze out of the purses of 
an impoverished people." He was infamous for his "excessive avarice 
his embezzlement of the public money, and his sordid refusal to pay his 
private debts." Cornbury became so obnoxious to the inhabitants of 
this province, that they sent a complaint to England against him. The 
Queen in consequence of this complaint displaced him. "As soon as 
his lordship was superseded, his ci editors threw him into the custody 
of the sheriff of New- York."' See Smith's History of New- York. Such 
was the mau from whom the corporation of .New-York obtained the 
rights of the town of Brooklyn. 

(30) These "divers former governors," &c. are limited to two, viz. 
Nicolls, who in 1665 granted them a cnarter, if that may be strictly 
called so, which only altered their form of government from scout, 
burgomasters, and schepens, to mayor and aldermen, without a word 
about ferries or water rights, or indeed any other matter— the original 
of which paper is not in existence. There is nothing to warrant a be- 
lief that there was a charter of any kind granted to the corporation 
between Nicolls and Dongan, who is the second of these "divers for- 
mer governors," &c. and who in 1686 granted them the ferry, (as is 
mentioned in a former part of this work) with an express reservation as 
to the rights of all others. The charter of Dongan, notwithstanding 
all their pompous recitals, is the oldest they c-id produce, which in any 
manner affects the interests of this town. 



Ill 

tain ferry from the said city of New-York, over the East 
River, to Nassau Island, (alias Loti^-lslaiicl ) and from 
the said Island to the said city again, and have possess- 
ed the same, and received all the profits benefits and 
advantages thereof for the space of fifty years and up- 
wards; and perceiving the profits, advantages, and be- 
nefits usually issuing out of the same, to diminish, de- 
crease, and fall short of what might be reasonably made 
of the same, for the want of the bounds and limits to be 
extended and enlarged on the said Island side, whereby 
to prevent divers persons transporting themselves and 
goods to and from the said Island Nassau (alias Long 
Island) over the said river, without coming or landing 
at the usual and accustomed places, where the ferry 
boats are usually kept and appointed, to the great loss 
and damage of the said city of New-York; have hum- 
bly prayed our grant and confirmation, under the great 
seal of our said province of New-York, of the said ferry, 
called the Old Ferry, on both sides of the said East 
River, for the transporting of passengers, goods, horses 
and cattle, to and from the said city, as the same is now 
held and enjoyed by the said mayor, aldermen and com- 
monalty of the said city of New York, or their under 
tenant, or under tenants ; and also of all that vacant 
and unappropriated land, from high water mark to low 
water mark, on the said Nassau Island (alias Long 
Island] lying contiguous and fronting the said city of 
New York, "from a certain place called the Wall-about, 
unto the Red Hook, over against Nutten Island, for the 
better improvement and accommodation of the said fer- 
ry ; with full power, leave and license to set up, estab- 
lish, maintain, and keep one or more ferry, or ferries, 
for the ease and accommodation of all passengers and 
travellers, for the transportation of themselves, goods, 
horses and cattle, over the said river, within the bounds 
aforesaid, as they shall see meet and convenient, and 
occasion require ; and to establish, ordain and make, 
bye laws, orders, and ordinances for the due and order- 
ly regulation of the same : The which petition we be- 
ing minded to grant, Know Ye, That of our especial 
grace, certain knowledge and meer motion, we have 



112 



given, granted, ratified and confirmed, and in and by 
these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, we do 
give, grant, ratify and confirm, unto the said mayor, al- 
dermen and commonalty of the city of New-York, and 
to their successors and assigns, all that the said ferry, 
called the Old Ferry, on both sides of the said East Ri- 
ver for the transportation of passengers, goods, horses 
and cattle, over the said river, to and from the said city 
and island, as the same is now used, held and enjoyed, 
by the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the 
city of New-York, or their under tenant or under ten- 
ants, with all and singular the usual and accustomed 
ferriage, fees, perquisites, rents, issues, profits, and 
other benefits and advantages whatsoever, to the said 
Old ferry belonging, or therewith used, or thereout 
arising; and also all that the aforesaid vacant and un- 
appropriated ground, lying and being on the said Nas- 
sau Island (alias Long-Island) from high water mark 
to low water mark aforesaid, contiguous and fronting 
the said city of New- York, from the aforesaid place 
called the AVallabout to Red Hook aforesaid ; that is to 
say, from the east side of the Wallabout, opposite the 
now dwelling house of James Bobine, to the west side 
of the Red Hook, commonly called the Fishing-place, 
with all and singular the appurtenances and heredita- 
ments to the same belonging, or in an)' wise of right 
appertaining; together with all and singular the rents, 
issues, profits, advantages, and appurtenances, which 
heretofore have, now are, ifc which hereafter shall belong 
to the said ferry, vacant land, and premises, herein before 
granted and confirmed, or to any or either of them, in 
any wise appertaining, or which heretofore have been, 
now are, and which hereafter shall belong, be used, 
held, received, and enjoyed ; and all our estate, right, 
title and interest, benefit and advantage, claim and de- 
mand, of, in or to the said ferry, vacant land and premi- 
ses, or anv part or parcel thereof, it the reversion <k rever- 
sions, remainder and remainders; together with the year- 
ly, and other rents, revenues and profits of the premises, 
and of every part and parcel thereof, except and always 
reserved out of this our present grant and confirmation, 



113 



free liberty, leave .and license to and for all and every 
person or persons, inhabiting or having plantations near 
the said river, by the water side, within the limits and 
bounds above mentioned, to transport themselves, goods, 
horses, and eattle, over the said river, to and from the 
said city of New-York, and Nassau Island (alias Long- 
Island) to and from their respective dwellings or plant- 
ations, without any ferriage, or other account to the 
said ferry, hereby granted and confirmed, to be paid or 
given ; so always as the said person or persons do 
transport themselves only, and their own goods, in their 
own boats only, and not any stranger or their goods, 
horses or cattle, or in any other boat. To have and to 
hold, all and singular the said ferry, vacant land and 
premises, herein before granted and confirmed, or 
meant, mentioned, or intended to be hereby granted 
and confirmed (except as is herein before excepted) 
and all and singular the rents, issues, profits, rights, 
members and appurtenances, to the same belonging, or 
in any wise of right appertaining, unto the said mayor, 
aldermen and commonalty of the city of New-York, and 
their successors aud assigns forever; to the only pro- 
per use and behoof of the said mayor, aldermen, and 
commonalty of the city of New-York, and their succes- 
sors, and assigns forever ; to be holden of us, our heirs 
and successors, in free and common soccage, as of our 
manour of East-Greenwich, in the County of Kent, with- 
in our kingdom of England ; yielding, rendering, and 
paying unto us, our heirs and successors, for the same, 
yearly, at our custom-house of New-York, to our col- 
lector and receiver general there for the time being, 
at or upon the feast of the nativity of St John the Bap- 
tist, the yearly rent or sum of five shillings, current 
money of New-York. And we do further, of our espe- 
cial grace, certain knowledge and meer motion, for us, 
our heirs and successors, give and grant unto the said 
mayor, aldermen and commonalty, and their successors, 
full and free leave and license to set up, establish, keep, 
and maintain one or more ferry or ferries, as they shall 
from time to time think fit and convenient, within the 
limits and bounds aforesaid, for the ease and accommo- 

10* 



114 



elation of transporting of passengers, goods, horses and 
cattle, between the said city of New-York and the said 
Island (except as is herein before excepted) under such 
reasonable rates and payments as have been usually 
paid and received for the same ; or which at any time 
hereafter, shall be by them established, by and with the 
consent and approbation of our governor and council of 
our said province, for the time being.( 3 ') And we do 
further, of our especial grace, certain knowledge, and 
meer motion, give, and grant unto the said mayor, al- 
dermen, and commonalty of the city of New-York, and 
their successors, full and absolute power and authority, 
to make, ordain, establish, constitute and confirm, all 
manner of by-laws, orders, rules, ordinances and direc- 
tions, for the more orderly keeping, and regularly main- 
taining the aforesaid terry that now is kept, or any fer- 
rv or ferries which shall at any time or times hereafter, 
be set up, established, or kept within the bounds afore- 
said, by virtue hereof, or of, for, touching or concerning 
the same, (so always as the same be not contrary to 
our laws of England, and of our province of New-York) 
and the same at all times hereafter to put in execution, 
or abrogate, revoke, or change, as they in their good 
discretion shall think fit, and most convenient, for the 
due and orderly keeping, regulating and governing the 
said ferry or ferries herein before mentioned. And 
lastly, our will and pleasure is, and we do hereby de- 
clare and grant, that these our letters patent, or the 
record thereof, in the secretary's office of our said pro- 
vince of New-York, shall be good and effectual in the 
law, to all intents and purposes whatsoever, notwith- 
standing the not true and well reciting or mentioning 
of the premises, or any part thereof, or the limits and 
bounds thereof, or of any former or other letters pa- 
tents, or grants whatsoever, made or granted ; or of 
any part thereof, by us, or any- of our progenitors, unto 
auv person or persons whatsoever, bodies politic or 

(31) The corporation of New -York appear to have abandoned the 
right of regulating the rate of ferriage very early; for in 1717, nine 
years after the date of this charter, an act was passed by the colonial 
legislature for that purpose. 



115 



corporate,( ss ) or any law or other restraint, incertain- 
ty, or imperfection whatsoever, to the contrary in any 
wise notwithstanding, and although express mention of 
the true yearly value, or certainty of the premises, or 
of any of them, or of any other gifts or grants by us or 
by any of our progenitors, heretofore made to the said 
mayor, aldermen, and commonalty of the city of New- 
York, in these presents, is not made, or any other mat- 
ter, cause, or thing whatsoever, to the contrary thereof 
in any wise notwithstanding. In testimony whereof, 
we have caused these our letters to be made patent, 
and the seal of our said province of New-York, to our 
said letters patent to be affixed, and the same to be re- 
corded, in the secretary's office of our said province. — 
Witness our right trusty and well-beloved cousin, Ed- 
ward Viscount Cornbury, captain general and governor 
in chief in and over our province of New-York afore- 
said, and terrritories thereon depending in America, and 
vice admiral of the same, &c. in council, at our Fort, 
in New-York, the nineteenth day of April, in the seventh 
year of our reign, Annoq. Domini one thousand seven 
hundred and eight. CORNBUItY. 

At the time of printing that part of this work un- 
der the head of " Common lands and the division 
thereof," the compiler was not aware of the exist- 
ence of the following proceeding relating to the di- 
vision of the said Lands, lie has therefore placed the 
same in this appendix. 

" At a towne meeting held this twentieth day c if 
Aprill, 1697, at Bedford within the jurisdiction of 
Broockland, in Kings County, upon the Island of 
Nassau, Resolved by all the ffreeholders of the 
towne of Broockland aforesaid, that all their com- 
mon land not yet laid out or divided, belonging t<> 
their whole patent shall be equally divided and laid 

(32) This clause was undoubtedly inserted to obviate, if possible, 
the claim under the two Brooklyn patents, both of which were many 
years older than this charter. 



116 

out to each ffreeholders of saide towne, his just pro- 
porcon in all the common lands abovesaid, except 
those that have but an house and a home lott, which 
are only to have but half share of the lands afore- 
said. And for the laying out of the said lands there 
are chosen ami appointed by the ffreeholders above- 
said, Capt. Henry Ffilkin, Jacobus Vanderwater, 
Daniel Kapale, Joris Hansen, John Dorlant, and 
Cornelius Vanduyne. It is further ordered that noe 
men within tins township abovesaid, shall have pri- 
viledge to sell his pari of the undivided lands of 
Broockland not yet laid out, to any person living 
without the township abovesaid. It is likewise 
ordered, consented to, and agreed by the towne 
meeting aforesaid, that Capt. Henry Ffilkin shall 
have a full share with any or all the ffreeholders 
aforesaid, in all the common land or woods in 
the whole patent of the towne of Broockland 
aforesaid, besides a half share for his home lott ; 
To have and to hold to him, his heirs and 
assigns forever. It is likewise ordered, that noe 
person whatsoever within the common woods of the 
jurisdicon of Brookland aforesaid, shall cutt or fall 
any oake or chesnut saplings for fire wood during 
the space of foure years from the date hereof upon 
any of the said common lands or woods within the 
jurisdicon of Broockland patent, upon the penalty 
of six shillings in money, for every waggon load of 
saplings abovesaid sue cutt, besides the forfeiture of 
the wood or timber soe cutt as abovesaid, the one 
half thereof to the informer, and the other half for 
the use of the poor of the town of Broockland 
aforesaid. 

By order of the towne meeting aforesaid, 
and Justice Henry Ffilkin, 
Jacobus Vandewatek, Towne Clerk." 



ADVERTISEMENT. 

The Compiler liere closes his notes, and has only 
to remark, that throughout the whole of this little 
work, he has been less solicitous about his reputation 
as an author, than a correct compiler. Studies of this 
nature are but ill calculated to admit of a luxuri- 
ance of diction or sentiment, and to these he has in 
no place aspired. His business was to collect au- 
thentic information concerning subjects at once ob- 
scure and interesting, and in what degree he has 
effected this object he leaves his readers to deter- 
mine, feeling conscious himself, that however im- 
perfectly he may have executed his design, his only 
aim was the public good. 



CONTENTS. 



Page 

Situation of the Town of Brooklyn, 5 

Ancient Names and Remains, ------ 6 

Soil and Climate, 7 

Ancient Grants and Patents, ------ 8 

Town Rights and Ferries, 21 

Roads and Public Landing places ----- 36 

Common Lands, and the Division thereof, 40 

Differences as to Bounds, -.--.--. 46 

Revolutionary Incidents, 50 

Ancient Government, 55 

Present Government, - - - 68 

Public Buildings and Institutions, ----- 73 

Schools, Newspapers and Moral Character, 92 

Fire Department, •- 95 

Miscellaneous, -- -99 

Appendix, 102 



ILLUSTRATIVE NOTES. 



A Jletowcas, a mis-print for Matowacs, or Matouwacks, the 
earliest known Indian name of Long Island, and synonymous 
with the more modern word Montauk. The letter a, in Flemish 
has the sound of au in English ; thus ja, meaning " yes," was 
pronounced by our early colonists as if spelled yau. It can easily 
be understood, therefore, how, in the course of time, and by the 
broad Dutch pronunciation, the original Matouwacks became 
Montauk, which, from being originally the general name of the 
whole Island, is now only applied to the eastern extremity of the 
same. In the Map of Cornells Hendriekse's voyage, dated 
1616, and discovered by Mr. Brodhead in the Archives of the 
Hague, the eastern extremity of the Island is named Nahicans, 
(or Mohegans,) showing that the earliest Dutch Navigators con- 
sidered the Long-Island Indians as belonging to the Mohegan 
race, which they already knew to inhabit the neighborhood of 
Fort Orange (Albany) and the Connecticut territory. In this 
supposition they were correct. But, at this time, as appears from 
this map, Long-Island was supposed to be a collection of islands, 
an error into which the early navigators, sailing along its north- 
ern and southern shores, and seeing its numerous creeks, bays 
and inlets — without any more intimate knowledge of the interior, 
had quite naturally fallen. Subsequent investigation, however, 
and a better acquaintance with the Island and its natives, cor- 
rected this error ; and Long-Island, in subsequent maps of the 
New-Netherlands, gradually assumes its natural and proper 
appearance, emerging, in Vander Donek's Map of 1656, with 
tolerably correct proportions, and the name of " Lange Eylandt, 
alias Malouwacs." 

B The Indian name of the territory of Brooklyn was Mery- 
ckawick, or " the sandy place ; " from me, the article in the Al- 
gonquin dialect ; reckvm, sand, and ick, locality. The name was 
probably applied, at first, to the bottom land, or beach; and what 



11 



i.s now Wallabout Bay, was formerly called " The boght of Ma- 
reckawick." O'Callaghan supposes that the Indians who inhab- 
ited that part of the present city of Brooklyn, derived their tribal 
name from the bay ; but we are inclined to the opinion that the 
appellation was by no means so limited, for the present name of 
Rockaway, in another part of the county, seems to have the same 
derivation. 

c Corlelyou House. This building is still standing on the 
west side of Fifth Avenue, near Fourth street, and on the east 
side of the old Gowanus road. It is constructed mainly of stone 
brick, the date of its erection, 1699, being indicated by iron fig- 
ures secured to the outside of its gable. As near as can be ascer- 
tained, Claes (or Nicholas) Adriaentse Van Vechten, an emigrant 
from Norch, in the province of Drenthe, Holland, owned the plan- 
tation on which the house is located, and probably erected the 
building. Previous to, and about the period of, the American 
Revolution, the property was owned by Nicholas Vechte, grand- 
son of old Claes, the emigrant ; and in 1790, Nicholas R. Cowen- 
hoven, one of his heirs, sold the house and a portion of the farm 
to Peter J. Cortelyou, who resided on the premises until 1804, 
when, unfortunately, having become insane, he committed suicide 
by hanging himself from the limb of a pear tree in the orchard 
adjoining the house. After his death, the property was divided 
by his sons Adrian aud Jacques, the latter taking the portion on 
which the old house was located, in which he resided until the 
enhanced value of the property, caused by the rapid spread 
of the city, induced him to dispose of it to parties who have 
divided it into city lots. 

In this connection we may as well refute the popular tradition 
which states this house to have been the head-quarters of Gen- 
erals Washington and Putnam prior to, or during the battle of 
Long-Island. The fact is, that Washington's head-quarters were 
in New-York ; and although he went over to Brooklyn after the 
commencement of the unfortunate battle of Long-Island, on the 
27th of August, 1776, there is no evidence or probability that he 
went outside of the American lines, which extended from the 
Wallabout to the Gowanus Mill-Creek. Putnam, also, had his 



Ill 



head-quarters within the lines, near to the ferry. There was un- 
doubtedly some fighting in the vicinity of this house, as one 
writer says " the British had several field pieces stationed by a 
brick house, and were pouring canister and grape on the Ameri- 
cans crossing the Creek." This building, therefore, must be the 
one referred to, as there was no other one, answering to the de- 
scription, in the vicinity. 

u This building stood on the west side of Fulton street, just 
below Nassau, and was a large edifice, constructed of small brick, 
said to have been brought from Holland. It was demolished in 
1832, and was considered equally ancient with the Cortelyou or 
Vechte house. 

E A MSS. note by Jeremiah Johnson, Esq., on the margin of 
this leaf, in his own copy of these " Notes," states that this house 
was built by Jeremiah Remsen Vanderbeek, who came from Hol- 
land in 1649, and settled at the Wallabout, where he married a 
daughter of Jeronimus Rapelje. He also owned all the land on 
the west side of Fulton street to old Fort Swift. The Middaghs, 
Hickses, and Remsens inherited their property from this Jeremiah 
Remsen Vanderbeek. 

In the possession of Jacob Patchen it acquired a peculiar inter- 
est in the history of the village and city of Brooklyn, which sub- 
sequently grew up around it. It became necessary to run the 
present Market street through his property, for which he was 
offered a fair price, but refused to sell on any terms. Every per- 
suasion, and all manner of strategy was used; but " old Leather 
Breeches," as he was styled, refused to budge. Finally he was 
put out by force, and his house removed to Jackson street (now 
Hudson street,) where it still remains, although considerably 
altered in appearance. Interminable law suits ensued, in which 
Patchen, although repeatedly beaten, obstinately appealed from 
court to court, until, at length, in the Court of Errors, he 
received a favorable verdict. It did not profit him much, as 
lawyers' fees had well nigh absorbed the large sum which was 
awarded him for damages. In short, this laughable suit of 
'.' Patchen vs. The Corporation," forms no inconsiderable part of 
Brooklyn History. 



IV 



He was indeed a most curious man — vain, obstinate, pragmati- 
cal — with a reckless propensity to coin new words and phrases, 
and otherwise to "murder the king's English," — which made him 
the butt of ridicule and laughter — yet, withal, an honest, well- 
meaning man. 

F The tradition concerning the connection of Red Hook Point 
with Governor's Island, and the fordable nature of Buttermilk 
Channel, is completely dispelled by a view of Ratzer's Map of 
New-York and a part of Long-Island, made in 1666-7. This 
careful and accurate government survey, made by Bernard Ratz- 
er, an Engineer Officer in the British Army, at about the period 
which tradition ascribes to the passage of this channel, gives 
three fathoms as the least depth ! The theory has been ad- 
vanced by some, in support of this tradition, that the docks 
erected along the New-York shore since the Revolution, have 
gradually changed the current so as to sweep the intervening 
meadows, and form a fordable creek from a deep, wide, and navi- 
gable strait. No docks, however, until about 1741, were built 
east of Wall street, which could have had the effect of diverting 
the currents of the East River towards Buttermilk Channel. It 
is well known to residents on the Brooklyn, as well as on other 
shores of New-York Bay, that the loss by abrasion on its shores 
is caused mainly by the waves during storms and high tides, and 
very little, if any, by the ordinary currents. 

G Ryder's Patent. Subsequent examination of the original 
patent, together with other conclusive data, enables us to state 
that this land was not within the limits of the town of Brooklyn; 
but, that it was located in the territory then recently purchased 
from the Indians by the West India Company, and which after- 
wards formed the town of Bushwiek. Abraham Rycken, or de 
Rycke, was the progenitor of the present Riker families in New- 
York, New-Jersey, and other parts of the United States, and 
probably emigrated to this country the same year in which he 
received this grant. It may be worthy of mention here, that 
Thompson, in his History of Long-Island, locates this grant at 
Gowanus, which, of course, is incorrect. It is by no means prob- 
able that he ever settled or improved his patent, for in 1642 he 



was a resident of New- Amsterdam, where most of his children 
were baptized, and where he had a house and lot on what is now 
Broad street. In 1654 he received a patent for land in Newtown, 
where he resided until his death, in 1689. 

H Jan Manje's patent extended from about the line of the 
present Atlantic street to a little beyond Congress street. Andries 
Hudde's patent extended from the north line of Manje's patent 
along the river to the present Joralcmon street. Claes Janse 
(von Naerden, and called, in his neighbor's patent, Claes Janse 
Ruyter,) occupied the land now embraced between a line drawn 
a little southerly of Congress street, and a line drawn between 
Harrison and Degraw streets. It will be seen, therefore, that 
these three patents, subsequently united in the possession of 
Woortman, and by him sold, in 1706, to Remsen, comprised the 
whole territory afterwards occupied by the Remsen and Philip 
Livingston estates, Ralph Patchen, Cornelius Heeney, Parmenua 
Johnson, and others. This entire tract, extending from Joralc- 
mon to a little beyond Harrison street, and from Court, street to 
the East River, now forms the most thickly settled, beautiful, and 
wealthy portion of the city of Brooklyn. 

The statement that they " were located near the ferry " is erro- 
neous, unless we accept the equally erroneous statement on page 
29, iu regard to the location of the " old ferry " — which will be 
noticed more at length in Note I. 

1 Although all succeeding historians have repeated this state- 
ment of the first annalist of Brooklyn, concerning the location of 
the ancient ferry, there is certainly not a particle of evidence to 
sustain it. On the contrary, the map of the " Towue of Maima- 
dos, or New-Amsterdam, as it was in September, 1661," recently 
discovered by George H. Moore, Esq.— and which is the earliest 
map extant of that town — clearly locates the " passage way " to 
Long-Island, at or near the present Peck Slip. Dircksen, the 
first known ferryman, also owned a farm near the same place, 
and any one who reflects on the peculiar adaptation of the two 
opposing shores at this place, will be convinced that the locality 
we have named, and that only, was the place best suited to the 
exigencies of the row-boat navigation of that dav. 



VI 



As to Joralemon street originally being the Brooklyn terminus 
of the ferry, Furrnan's statement is equally erroneous. All facts 
preserved in history point positively to Fulton Ferry as the orig- 
inal landing-place on this side. The Joralemon Street Ferry was 
not established until 1774, by the Corporation of New-York, and 
was then known as "St. George's Ferry." It did not exist long, 
being discontinued in 1776, and the ferry house, together with a 
large distillery near it, were burnt during the war. 

J Providing, however, against a possible "jam " near the 
ferry — although, perhaps, scarcely anticipating the great thor- 
oughfare which now exists at that locality — the law enacts that 
if a majority of the inhabitants of the town should " adjudge 
that part ef the road near to the ferry to be so narrow and in- 
convenient," they might cause the Sheriff to summon a jury of 
twelve to appraise the laud necessary to be taken in the widening, 
and that said appraisement should be levied and collected upon 
the town, and paid to the owners. This, however, was never 
done, and the old lane continued to serve the economical towns- 
folk of Brooklyn. Its appearance may be understood by a glance 
at Guy's Picture of Brooklyn, (in the Institute, Washington 
street,) which represents it at its passage at Front street, but so 
narrow as hardly to lead one to suppose, from the picture, that it 
was a street. 

The Rapalje farm, afterwards confiscated on account of the 
toryism of its owner, and conveyed to C. & J. Sands, extended 
up the cast side of Fulton street to the bend, about where Sands 
street now enters, and there stood the " swinging-gate," and there 
began the four-foot road. On the remarkably accurate map, pre- 
pared in 1766-7, by Lieut. Ratzer, this road is laid down, with 
the buildings thereon, showing conclusively that Fulton street 
then was the same in use as before the widening in 1S34. 

K The " white oak tree " here referred to, and elsewhere desig- 
nated as " the white oak standing by the Indian foot-path, markt 
with three notches," was a large tree, with a decayed centre, 
which stood until some forty or fifty years ago, when it was finally 
prostrated by the wind. Within the remains of its stump, some 
twenty years since, Mr. Teunis G. Bergen, Supervisor of New- 



VII 



Utrecht, and Martinus Bergen, Supervisor of the Sth Ward, placed 
a monument, which forms the most southerly angle of the bounds 
of the City of Brooklyn. At present, all vestiges of the old tree 
have disappeared. 

L This is an undoubted error — originating, we think, with 
Gen. Jeremiah Johnson. It is now definitely ascertained that 
Captain Hale was executed on an apple-tree in the Rutgers 
orchard, near the present intersection of East Broadway ami 
Market streets, in New-York City. 

M Another error. The old Pierrepont mansion, which formerly 
stood on the line of the present Montague street, near the little 
iron foot-bridge which spans the carriage-way, was the headquar- 
ters of Washington during this important contest. It was a 
large and costly house, having four chimneys, and upon its roof a 
telegraph was arranged, by which communication was held with 
New-York City. It was here, also, (and not at the old Butch 
church in Fulton Street, as has been erroneously stated,) that the 
Council of War was held which determined upon the retreat, and 
from which the orders for that movement were promulgated. 
This is on the authority of Col. Fish, the father of Gov. Hamilton 
Fish, and one of Washington's military family, who, in 1824, 
during Lafayette's visit to Brooklyn, called the remembrance of 
the distinguished visitor to the fact, and designated the very posi- 
tions in the room occupied by the members of that council. 

N This, then the mansion of Philip Livingston, Esq., was ap- 
propriated by the British as a naval hospital, probably as a retal- 
iatory measure, its owner being at that time a member of the 
Continental Congress. Attached to the house was an extensive 
garden, which the well known taste and abundant means of Mr. 
Livingston had made the finest in this part of America, and which 
— to their credit — was kept in good repair by the physicians and 
officers of the hospital. The mansion, however, although at that 
time, and for many years afterwards, the largest in town — proved 
not to be sufficiently extensive for the accommodation of the sick 
belonging to the large fleet then on this station. Other build- 
ings were accordingly erected on the farm, (known as the Ralph 
Tatchen property,) on the southerly side of the present Atlantic 



Vlll 



street. The principal disease among the sick was the scurvy, and 
they were buried from these hospitals to the number of twelve or 
fifteen a day. For many years afterwards the remains of these 
poor fellows were, from time to time, disinterred by the caving of 
the brow of the hill all along that portion of the shore. Mr. 
William Furman (father of Gabriel Furman) used to relate that 
he saw ten or twelve buried in one grave from the British hos- 
pitals on the Livingston place. 

On the banks of the River, a little east of the easterly line of 
Furman street, and between Pacific and Warren streets, as now 
laid out, was a knoll of land, where several hundred British sol- 
diers and sailors were buried in regular rows. The heads of the 
westernmost row were exposed to the lashing of the waves of the 
river, by which means they were beaten off from the trunks ; and 
one of Mr. Cornell's negro men subsequently made a considerable 
amount of money by selling the teeth, taken from these heads, to 
the dentists of New-York city. This same burial-knoll, thus 
enriched, afterwards became Cornell's asparagus-bed, where he 
raised an excellent quality of that vegetable for the Xew-York 
market. 

On the first Tuesday of April, 17S1, was held the first Town 
meeting since April, lTTti. Jacob Sharp, Esq. was chosen Town 
Clerk, and applied to Lefferts Lefferts, Esq., his predecessor in 
the office, for the Town records. Lefferts deposed, on oath, that 
they had been removed from his custody, during the war, by a 
person or persons to him unknown. It afterwards transpired 
that they had been removed by John Rapalje, a prominent citi- 
zen and Tory, who had been employed by Mr. Lefferts as a clerk, 
and therefore knew which of the records were most valuable. 
He came to the house, one day, and telling Mrs. Lefferts that he 
intended removing the papers to a safe place, went into the room 
used as an office, and there busted himself for some time, select- 
ing what he pleased, packing the whole into a sack, and taking 
them away. — (-/. C. Brevoort, Esq., on authority of Lefferts 
Lefferts, son of Leffctt Lefferts, the clerk in question.) 

These reoords and papers were taken to England by Kapalje, 
in October, 1*776, and his large estates were confiscated, and after- 



IX 



wards became the property of J. &. C. Sands. After bis death, 
the papers fell into the possession of his grand-daughter, who 
married William Weldon, of Norwich, Count; of Norfolk, Eng- 
land. 

William Weldon and his wife came to New-York about the 
year 1810, to recover the estates of John Rapalje, and employed 
D. B. Ogdes and Aaron Burr as counsel, who advised them that 
the Act of Attainder, passed by the Legislature against Rapalje 
and others, barred their claim. Weldon and his wife brought 
over with them the lost Records of the Town of Brooklyn, and 
offered them to the town for a large sum, (according to Bom i, 
§10,000) but would not even allow them to be examined before 
delivery. 

Although a writ of replevin might easily have secured them 
to the town again, the apathetic Dutchmen of that day were too 
indifferent to the value of these records, and they were allowed 
to return to England.— (J/SS. Note of Jeremiah Johnson.) 

p These fortifications were: (1) A half-n n shaped fort, on 

the edge of the Heights, between Orange and Clark Streets, gar- 
risoned by Hessian troops, and having a battery ol cannon over- 
looking the army. (2) A large, square fort at the junction of 
Pierrepont and Henry streets, bj tar the most thoroughly con- 
structed and complete fortification erect. id by the British during 
their stay on Long-Island. The position was an exceedingly fine 
and commanding one, and old denizens of Brooklyn speak of 
having seen, at one time, between two and three thousand British 
troops engaged in its construction, besides large numbers el' the 
people of the Island, who, with their teams, &c., were impressed 
int.. the work. This fort was 451) feet square, with ramparts ris- 
ing about 40 or 50 feet above the bottom of the surrounding 
ditch, itself 20 feet in depth. At each angle of the fort was a 
bastion, on each of which was planted a button-wood tree, all of 
which afterwards attained a very great size. The barracks were 
very substantially constructed, and in front of the fort, on the 
present line of Fulton street, between Clark and Pierrepont 
streets, stood a row of small mud huts erected by the British 
army sutlers. This fortification was not completed in July, 1781 



at which time it had only eighteen cannon mounted, but had two 

bomb-proof magazines, and was garrisoned by two hundred 
Brunswiekers. At this time, also, the 5-tth Regiment were en- 
camped at Ferry Hill, two miles from Brooklyn, while at Bedford 
were two hundred Grenadiers. (3) Cobble Hill (or Ponkiesburgh) 
Fort, near intersection of present Atlantic and Court streets, 
which had been formerly used by the Americans, was in process 
of repair, and was occupied by two companies. It commanded 
the large fort at Brooklyn, before mentioned, but was, at this 
time, made lower, for fear it might fall into the hands of the Con- 
tinentals. (4) In April, 1782, an intrenehment was commenced 
on Long-Island, at the Wallabout, extending from the hill of 
Rem. A. Remsen, along the high land of John Rapalje (cros.-inir 
Sands street near Jay, and thence over the highest land at Wash- 
ington street,) across the Jamaica road (Fulton street) to the 
large fort on the corner of Henry and Pierrepout streets. Its 
length was two and a halt' miles. 

Q Situated near the junction of Main and Fulton streets. Mr. 
Joseph Fox, afterwards a store-keeper in Brooklyn, was one of 
the principals or masters of this Wagon Department. 

R - This " Corporation House " stood in Fulton street, just be- 
lovt Front, and coruerwise (or angling) towards Fulton, in such a 
way that it left but 35£ feet for the entire width of the street, 
between it and the houses on the opposite side. It was, as our 
author describes it, " a large, gloomy, old-fashioned stone edifice." 
quite dark inside, with a broad, heavy stair-case, and was kept, 
about the beginning of the present century, as a tavern, by Ben- 
jamin Smith. He was an old and much respected citizen, and, 
after the fire which destroyed the building, removed his stand to 
a stone building on the opposite side of Fulton street. Just 
above, and adjoining the garden of the old " Corporation House," 
and between it and the corner of Front street, stood the engine 
house of Fire Engine No. 1, the first iu Brooklyn. 

s - John Garrison, as a Judge of the Common Pleas, or Jus- 
tice of the Peace, was for many years identified with the interests 
of the earlier town of Brooklyn. Indeed, he (in connection with 
old Squire Nichols) dispensed nearly all the justice that was 



XI 



needed to keep the Brooklynites straight, in those primitive 
days; and, though his legal attainments were not very extensive, 
yet his strong common-sense, his shrewdness in judging charac- 
ter, ami his straightforward way of getting at the justice, if not 
the law of the cases brought before him, rendered him, in the 
opinion of all who knew him, one of the best Justices which 
Brooklyn ever had. He was by trade a butcher ; in religion, a 
staunch .Methodist; in polities, a violent democrat of the old 
school, and in character one of the kindest and purest hearted 
of men. In person, he was corpulent, to discomfort; and 
many pleasant stories are yet told of his queer ways and sayings. 

T - William Furman was the father of our author, and lived 
on the spot now occupied by the Brooklyn City R. R. Company, 
corner of Fulton street and Furman street, named after him. 
His biography will be found on page vi. of the biography of his 
son, prefixed to this reprint. 

u Teunis Joralemox, born about 1761, came to Brooklyn 
from Flatbnsh, where he had been a harness-maker. He grew 
rich by the rise of real estate in the rapidly growing town to 
which he had removed, and was much esteemed as an estimable 
citizen. 

v Xoah Waterbcry, whose enterprise earned for him the 
appellation of the "Father of Williamsburg," was born at Gro- 
ton Falls, Ct., and was the son of Phineas ami Elizabeth (Louns- 
berg) Waterbury. In 1789, at the age of 15 years, he came to 
Brooklyn, where he learned the trade of a shoemaker. At the 
close of his apprenticeship, being then 21 years old, in connec- 
tion with Henry Stanton, he took the Catherine St. Ferry, previous- 
ly run by Hunt & Furman, and after carrying it on for some time, 
entered into the lumber trade, and subsequently established a 
rope-walk, in both of which ventures, Stanton was his partner. 
In May, 1S19, he removed to Williamsburgh, where he purchased 
from Geu. Jeremiah Johnson about one-half an acre of land at 
the foot of South Second Street, on which he erected (with Jor- 
dan Coles) a distillery. He afterwards added eight acres of land 
adjoining, by purchase from Johnson, and laid it out in citj lots. 
Gradually he got into the real estate business — frequently loaned 



Xll 



money to the village, at times of its greatest financial distress 
— originated the City Bank, of which lie became the first IV. m 
dent, was the first President of the Board of Trustees, in 1827, 
and in man; ways promoted the welfare of the village. 

w A full biographical sketch of Joshua Sands and his brother, 
Comfort, and also an account of the Sands family, will be found 
in " Thompson's History of Long Island" ii, 463-469, 

x JonN Doughty was a butcher, and a most estimable man. 
whose whole life was identified witli the interests of the town of 
Brooklyn. He was an old school democrat, and a member of the 
Episcopal Church. He figured prominently in the early history 
of the Brooklyn Fire Department; was the founder of the " Fire 
Bucket System " of the town ; and was for many years a Trustee 
and Clerk of the Board. 

Y Johannes Theodorus Pouikmi s belonged to a family long 
distinguished among officers of state and men of letters, in the 
Netherlands. Anciently, some of its members enjoyed celebrity 
in the cities of Antwerp and Ghent, in the first of which Eleazer 
Polheinus, a learned jurist, held the office of Burgomaster as 
early as 1310. Dominie Polhemus came to New Amsterdam in 
165 I, from Itamarca, in Brazil, where he had been stationed as a 
missionary. He immediately accepted a call from Flatbush, and 
took up his actual residence there, where, in 1662, he received a 
patent for a part of the premises owned by the late Jeremiah 
Lott, Esq, His widow, whose maiden name was Catherine Van 
Werven, survived him several years; and his children, one of 
whom, at least, was born in Brazil, occupied respectable and 
prominent positions in life. Dominie Polhemus was the progeni- 
tor of the entire Polhemus family in America. See Biker's New- 
town, pp. 318-350, for an interesting genealogy of the same. 

z Henrico's Seltns, esteemed " the most distinguished of the 
ministers who came from Holland," came to this country in 
March, ItiliO, in consequence of a special call made by the 
Church at Brooklyn, to the Classis at Amsterdam, and was in- 
stalled over that Church on the 3d of September, of the same 
year. The memfjers of his church, residents of the vicinity, 
numbered only 27 persons, including an elder and two deacons — 



Xlll 

the population of the entire village being only 134 persons, in 31 
families — and the bounds of the new Dominie's charge embraced 
the settlements at "the Ferry," the " Waal-boght," ami the 
" Gujanes." A church edifice was shortly after erected, and the 
people, being unable to assume the entire expense of his support, 
petitioned the Council for assistance. Stuyvesant agreed person- 
ally to contribute 250 guilders, if Sulcus would preach on Sab- 
bath afternoons at his " Bouwery," on Manhattan Island, to 
which the Dominic consented. Under his able ministrations, the 
Church in Brooklyn increased so that, in 1661, it numbered 52 

nn unicants, many of whom had been admitted on certificate 

from New Amsterdam, and from churches in the Fatherland. As 
late, however, as May, 1662, Mr. Selyns was not an actual resi- 
dent of Brooklyn ; and, in 1664, he yielded to the urgent solici- 
tation- of his aged father in Holland, and with the permission of 
the Directors uF tic West India Company, was most tenderly and 
respectfully dismissed from his church, on the 17th of July, 1664, 
and sailed for the Fatherland on the 23d of the same month. 
He subsequently returned to this country, and became the pastor 
!-• i * nth in regular succession) of the Collegiate Dutch Reformed 
Church, in the City of Xew Amsterdam, now New York. The 
following brief sketch of his subsequent career is taken from the 
Rev. Dr. De Witt's Memorial Volume of the Dutch Reformed 
Church of New-York. (Note D. p. 69.) After mentioning that 
he occupied " a prominent place" in Holland, after his return in 
1 iii; I, De Witt says: "In 1670, on the death of Megapolensis, 
and the sickness and debility of Drisius, inducing a pressing want 
of ministerial service, a call was made upon Selyns with more 
than common urgency. The impressions he had left by his pre- 
vious ministrat : ons were deep and strong. He, however, declined. 
After the death of Dominie Van Nieuwenhuysen, in 1681, the 
Church at once directed a renewed and strongly enforced appeal, 
to which he favorably respouded, and became sole pastor of the 
Church from 1682 to 1689, when he received a colleague, and 
died in 1701. There is sufficient evidence remaining to show his 
systematic, industrious, and energetic discharge of his ministerial 
and pastoral duties, and that he gave a happy direction to the 
interests of the Church. He appears to have acquired much 



XIV 

literary cultivation. He was in correspondence with eminent 
divines in Holland, and with ministers in Boston, in New-Eng- 
land, the Mathers and others. There is prefixed to Cotton 
Mather's " Magnolia Americana" a Latin congratulatory poem 
of some length, signed " Henricus Selyns, Ecclesiastes Neo Ebo- 
racensis." At the publication of John Eliot's celebrated Indian 
Bible, he procured it and sent it to the Chassis of Amsterdam. 
It could be wished that more materials had survived to elucidate 
his character and ministry." 

AA Charles De Bevoise was a highly respectable and well 
educated French Protestant, from Leyden, in Holland, and ar- 
rived at New- Amsterdam in the ship Otter, February 7, 1659, 
accompanied by his wife and three children. His literary mer- 
its, and acquaintance with the Dutch language, soon acquired for 
him the situation of a teacher; but in 1671, he became "choris- 
ter, reader, and schoolmaster " for the people of Brooklyn, at a 
salary of 25 guilders, and free house rent. Afterwards, he was 
Public Secretary, or Town Clerk, which office he held until 1069. 
He was the ancestor of the large and respectable family of his 
name on Long-Island. 

BB This Church is described in Judge Furman's JTSS. Notes 
(now in the Library of the Long-Island Historical Society), as a 
large, square edifice, very dark and gloomy inside, so that, in 
summer, one could not see to read in it after four o'clock in the 
afternoon, by reason of its small windows. These were six or 
eight feet above the floor, and filled with stained glass lights from 
Holland, representing vines loaded with flowers. The edifice, 
which had a square roof, with a cupola, and a small, sharp-toned 
bell, brought from Holland, stood exactly in the centre of the 
highway, the road branching off on each side ; and a miserable 
road it was, filled with mud holes and large rocks. 

cc So named in compliment to Ann, the wife of Joshua Sands, 
Esq., and mother of Capt. Joshua R. Sands, formerly of the U. S. 
Xavy, and William Sands, now of this city. She was the daugh- 
ter of Dr. Richard Ayscough, a surgeon in the British army, and 
her mother was a Langdon. She was born in New- York city, in 
1761, and was married in 1779, living with her husband until his 



XV 



death, in 1835 — a period of fifty-six years. Her husband, a 
prominent merchant and a large land owner in Brooklyn, died at 
the age of 77, respected and lamented by all who knew him. 
Mrs. Sands survived him for a number of years, dying July 17th, 
1851, at the age of 90 years. She was the first directress of the 
" Loisian School," the first public school established in Brooklyn, 
ami was foremost in every good word and work. Remarkable for 
genuine piety and great and untiring benevolence, she exercised 
an iufluence on society which has not yet ceased to be felt, and 
was most appropriately recognized in naming after her the First 
Episcopal Church of Brooklyn. 

DD As early as 1784, the Methodist Itinerants began to visit 
Brooklyn, and preach occasionally in private houses. It was not 
however, till 1793, that the First Methodist Church, a small frame 
building, was erected on the site of the present Sands Street 
Church. This house was dedicated by the Rev. Joseph Totten, 
on the first of June, 1794, the Society having been incorporated 
on the 19th of May previous. 

In 1797, Brooklyn was formed into a separate charge, with a 
membership of 23 whites, and 27 colored. Rev. Joseph Totten 
was the first regularly stationed minister. He was a man of deep 
piety anil burning zeal, a native of Hempstead, L. I., and died in 
Philadelphia, in 1818, in the 60th year of his age. 

The original church edifice was enlarged in 1810, and rebuilt 
in 1844, and is a substantial brick edifice, 80 by 60 feet, costing 
$10,500, 

EE First Presbyterian Church. — The ground upon which 
" The Plymouth Church " now stands, comprising seven lots, 
running through from Cranberry to Orange Streets, was purchased 
in 1822, by John and Jacob M. Hicks, for the erection of an edi- 
fice for the use of "The First Presbyterian Church." At the 
time, the population of Brooklyn was less than ten thousand, and 
the enterprise was regarded by cautious men as hazardous ; the 
Church being built in what was then cultivated fields, and far out 
from the settled portion of the village, though now in the densest 
part of Brooklyn Heights. It was organized, however, with ten 
members, by the Presbytery of New- York, on the 10th of March, 



XVI 

1822, and was incorporated on the 13th of the same month. The 
high personal character of its first Trustees, gave to the new en- 
terprise a dignity and prominence which assured it- success, and 
which has marked its subsequent career in a most eminent de- 
gree. The new organization was admitted to connection with 
the Presbytery of Xew-York on the 10th of April, 1822, and 
measures were immediately taken for the erection of a substan- 
tial church edifice. Its corner-stone was laid on the loth of 
April, 1S'2'2, and it was completed before the close of the same 
year. This building, which was considered in those day- as " > 
very handsome brick building, something in the Gothic style," 
wa- 72 feet in length ; and was afterward- enlarged by the addi- 
tion of 18 feet, making it 90 feet in depth, by 55 feet in width. 
A Lecture Room, including a Sabbath-School Room and Study, 
wa- attached to tlie rear of the Church, fronting upon Orange 
street, in 1831. 

The first pastor was the Rev. Joseph Sanford, who was installed 
on the 16th of October, 1823, continued until his dismissal, 
January 11, 1829, and removed to Philadelphia, where lie died at 
the age of 35 years, December 25, 1836. His remains, " by re- 
quest of the people " of this congregation, were removed hither 
from Philadelphia, and now rest in the ministers' vault beneath 
trch edifice, with those of his first wife, with whom lie was 
permitted to live only a few months, and suitable inscriptions to 
their memory are engraven upon two marble tablets, inserted — 
under cover — uuder the south portico, lie was succeeded b\ 
the Rev. Daniel Lynn Carroll (now the Rev. Or Daniel L. Car- 
roll), previously pastor of a church in Litchfield, Conn., who was 
in-tailed March 1829, and was dismissed Julj '.>, I83S. After 
Mr. Carroll's departure, the pulpit remained vacant nearly two 
year-, until on the 8th of Hay, 1S37, the lev. Samuel Thomson 
Cox, D.D. was installed as third pastor of this Church. In Xo- 
i. 1838, the division of the Synod of Xew-York, was fol- 
lowed by a corresponding division of the membership of this 
church. About forty families, including three elders and nearly 
one hundred members, claiming to be the legitimate representa- 
tives of the original founders of the church, in their religious 
opinions and sentiments, preferred to retain their connection with 



xvn 

the Presbytery of New-York, which remained attached to the 
Old School Synod and General Assembly — and therefore assert- 
ing themselves to be the " First Presbyterian Church of Brook- 
lyn," — withdrew from Dr. Cox's charge. 

The pastor, seven elders, and about five hundred and fifty 
members, acknowledging the jurisdiction of the " Presbytery of 
Brooklyn," continued to pursue the even tenor of their way. On 
the 28th of July, 1846, the corner-stone of the present elegant 
house of worship (in Henry Street, near Clark) occupied by the 
congregation, was laid. The edifice was first opened for divine 
worship on the 6th of June, 1847. The old church in Cranberry 
Street had been sold in June, 1846, for the sum of §20,000, to 
parties who subsequently conveyed it to the " Plymouth Church." 
Dr. Cox's farewell sermon was preached on the 16th of April, 
1854, and a call having been extended, in December, 1854, to 
the Rev. William Hogarth, of Geneva, X. Y., and accepted by 
him, he was installed as the fourth pastor of this church, on the 
15th of March, 1855. 

On the 20th of March, 1860, the Rev. Charles S. Robinson, 
formerly settled in Park Presbyterian Church of Troy, X. Y., 
was installed. 

FF St. James Roman Catholic Church.- -In the year 1821, 
there were a few Catholic families in Brooklyn, who were obliged 
to cross the East River to enjoy the privileges of worship. The 
inconveniences attending this, however, induced them to make 
an effort to secure a place of worship nearer home. The late 
Cornelius Heeney offered, as a free gift, an acre of land on the 
corner of Court and Congress streets, for the purposes of a 
church; but its position being at that time so far distant from 
the centre and business portion of the city, the offer was respect- 
fully declined, and property was secured on the corner of Chapel 
and Jay streets, and a substantial edifice, about 78 by 52 feet, 
was erected thereon. In 1846, this received an addition of about 
32 by 84 feet, at right angles with the main building, which, with 
the further addition of a vestry, gives the Church the form of a 
cross. St. James Church has not only enjoyed prosperity herself, 
but has been the parent of many other flourishing churches of 
the same denomination, in this rapidly growing city. Among 



xvm 

those who are entitled to mention as the founders of this church, 
may be named S. G. Wise, Q. II. Sullivan, Peter Turner, William 
Purcell, Charles Brady, James Rose, G. McClasky, and others. 

GG Main Street, now Catherine Street. 

hh The "Apprentices' Library Association" became, in 
1843, by act of Legislature, the ''Brooklyn Institute," and in 
1862, received an enlarged Act of Incorporation, under the pro- 
visions of which it continues its career of usefulness. It was en- 
dowed by Augustus Graham, at his death, with a sum of $5000, 
to be applied to the maintenance of a course of Free Lectures, 
upon Mechanics, Natural Philosophy, and Science, for the Ap- 
prentices of the City of Brooklyn ; also, another §5000, one half 
of the income of which was to be applied to the support of a 
School of Design, and the other half to the purchase of a Speci- 
men of the Fine Arts, by a native artist, to be kept in the Insti- 
tution ; also, another S5000, the income of which is to be used 
for the purchase of specimeus of Natural History, to Lectures 
upon that subject, and to the support and benefit of the Natural 
History Department of the Institute. An additional sum of 
$12,000 was also given by Mr. Graham, for the endowment of an 
Annual Course of Sunday Evening Lectures, on the power, wis- 
dom and goodness of God, as manifested in His works. 

Previously to this, Mr. Graham had given to the Association 
the fine granite building in Washington Street, now occupied by 
them. 

" Although Furman gives the title of this paper as The Cou- 
rier and Ifew- York and Long-Island Advertiser, the earlier num- 
bers of it, at least, were simply issued as the Long-Island Courier. 
We have never been able to discover but one copy of this paper, 
or rather one and half of another, which is bound up with a file 
of other Island papers, now in possession of the Long-Island His- 
torical Society. These are dated October 16, and 20, 1803, and 
bear the motto, " Columbia, united, shall to glory arise." It was 
then published on Wednesday mornings, and, unlike papers of 
the present day, contained no local items. The printing office 
was then on the corner of Front and Old Ferry street, as Fulton 
street was then called. Of Mr. Kirk we know but little ; he was, 



XIX 

for his time, a good printer, and printed many books for New- 
York publishers — was always foremost in all public enterprises, 
and much respected by his cotemporaries. 

JJ Alden Spooxer, than whom no one was ever more fully or 
honorably identified with the highest interests and prosperity of 
Brooklyn, was born at Westminster, Vt., January 23, 1783. 
Having learned the printing art with his relative, Samuel Green, 
the well known printer of New London, Ct., he went to Sag Har- 
bor, L. I., where, on the 20th of February, 1804, he assumed the 
charge of the Suffolk Comity Herald, then in the thirteenth 
year of its existence, and changing its name to that of tin- Suf- 
folk County Gazette, continued its publication until 1811, when 
he was obliged to abandon it. Moving to Brooklyn, which to his 
far-seeing eye, already gave promise of its future growth, he pur- 
chased the Long-Island Star from Mr. Kirk, and with this paper 
his whole subsequent life was honorably identified. He afterwards 
conducted for a time the New-York Columbian, a daily, and with 
that zeal for public works which always characterized him, was 
one of the earliest advocates of the Erie Canal, and, in all respect.-, 
a great admirer and firm friend of its noble originator, Dc Witt 
Clinton. In all that pertained to the welfare of Brooklyn, he w;is 
ever foremost and active. He was influential in procuring the 
Village Charter, in 1816, and, also, in promoting its incorporation 
as a city, in 1834. 

He was one of the founders and trustees of the Brooklyn Ap- 
prentices' Library, whose useful objects always continued to enlist 
his sympathies and labors until his death. 

He held respectively the military appointments of Second 
Lieutenant in the Fourth Regiment of the Fourth Brigade of 
N. Y. S. Artillery, in 1810; Quarter Master of the 13th Regi- 
ment, N. Y. S. Artillery, in 1819 ; Captain of a company in the 
13th Regiment, N. Y. S. Artillery, in 1S1 », and Colonel of the 
13th Regiment, X. Y. S. Artillery, in 1S26. In a note appended 
to this last commission, Brigadier-General Spieer writes, " in the 
first printed order, suitable mention shall be made of your long 
and faithful services." 

He was one of the founders of the Lyceum of Natural His- 



XX 



tory, and of the Female Seminary of Brooklyn, and the noble 
free school system of our city is deeply indebted to his ardent 
championship of the cause of popular education. " It was his 
unfaltering energy and perseverance that secured to the city the 
Fort Green property, as a public Park. It was not his fault that 
the entire of the beautiful Heights was not laid out as a park, to 
be free to the inhabitants as a place of resort and recreation for- 
ever. The old man wrote for it, talked for it, almost begged for 
it — all in vain. Utilitarianism was too strong for him, ami the 
Heights are now covered with unsightly piles of brick and mortar." 
At an age when he might reasonably have sought for retirement 
and repose, he was yet active in works of public utility. For the last 
two years of his life he was earnestly engaged in organizing a com- 
pany for lighting Brooklyn with gas, and on its incorporation, was 
unanimously chosen its President. Indeed, very many of the most 
important works in this City, and on Long-Island, owe their exist- 
ence to the foresight and active instrumentality of Alden Spooner. 
There is ample proof, both in the files of the Star, and among 
living witnesses, of the many objects of vital importance to the 
public welfare which his mind conceived, and his zealous and 
constant effort aided in perfecting. In all these enterprises there 
was a perfect lack of the slightest selfish motive. He never laid 
claim to honors, but seemed perfectly contented with the good he 
accomplished, for its own sake. " Quietly and unostentatiously 
he sought only for the best means of adding to the intelligence, 
the comfort, and the security of the community in which he lived." 
His life realized the ideal of a model citizen, whose place was 
not easily filled. 

In private life, " a simplicity, cheerfulness, and genuine kind- 
ness endeared him to every one." His integrity was spotless. 
He was liberal to the utmost extent of self-sacrifice, and foremost 
in acts of benevolence. A New England man, and tracing his 
descent from John Alden, of the Mayflower, he yet held to no 
rigor of creed, but was tolerant of all denominations, and in 
charity with all men. As a politician, he endeavored to divest 
partisanship of its bitterness and illiberality ; as an editor, he 
was plain spoken, yet eminently courteous. 

Deatli found him in his office, while reading a newspaper, and a 



XXI 

few short hours of pain closed his mortal career, on the 24th of 
November, 1848, in the sixty-fifth year of his age — being then, 
with the exception of Thomas Ritchie, of the Washington Union, 
the oldest editor in the United States. 

Col. Spooner was twice married. First, to Rebecca Jermain, 
daughter of John Jermain, of Sag Harbor, Suffolk Co., Long- 
Island ; second, to Mary Ann, daughter of Prosper Wetmore, of 
New-York. 

KK GeORGE L. Birch was born in Limerick, Ireland, on the 
15th of August, 1181, and came to this country in 179S, with 
his parents, who settled first in Providence, R. I., then in Brook- 
lyn. After completing his education, he was bound apprentice 
to a shipping merchant of New-Tork ; afterwards becoming a 
1 KXik keeper for a large distiller, whose employ he left to become 
first clerk in the Columbian Insurance Company. At the dissolu- 
tion of this Company, he became the cashier and business mana- 
ger of the National Advocate, a leading Democratic newspaper, 
edited by the late M. M. Noah, with whom he afterwards started 
a printing office in partnership. Shortly after, he became printer 
to the Common Council and to the Custom House, both of which 
positions he held until 1828. In 1819, we find him an active 
member of the King's County Agricultural and Domestic Manu- 
facturing Society, and on the 17th of March, 1821, he issued the 
first number of the Long Island Patriot, a weekly family news- 
paper. In October, of the same year, he joined the Fire Depart- 
ment, with which, as foreman of Engine No. 2, he was identified 
for a long period. On the 31st of December, 1821, he received 
the appointment of Post-Master of Brooklyn, which office he oc- 
cupied for four years, being succeeded by Thomas Kirk. In 
1822, he established a monthly, the Minerva, in New-Tork, and 
during this year, at his suggestion, a branch of the " Colum- 
bian Order, or Tammany Society," was established in Brooklyn ; 
and he was also largely instrumental in the organization of the 
" Erin Fraternal Association," the "Apprentices' Library," and 
various other valuable institutions, which have greatly contributed 
to the welfare of Brooklyn. In 1829, Mr. Birch, having received 
an appointment in the Custom House, sold out the Patriot. In 
1843, he became the Custodian and Librarian of the U. S. Naval 



XX11 

Lyceum at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, which position he retained 
until his death, which occurred on the 27th of July, 1S64. In 
all his relations of life he was respected and beloved, and his 
life, so clearly identified with the early growth and the best inter- 
ests of Brooklyn, deserves a more careful tribute than these has- 
tily penned lines. 

LL The expression in the Council Records " the first-bcrn 
Christian daughter in New-Net/ierland" has given rise to the 
statement that this Sarah Rapalje was the first child born in the 
town of New-Amsterdam (New York) ; and this, in spite of Mr. 
Biker's admirable expose of the error, in a paper read before the 
New-York Historical Society, in May, 1857, still continues to be 
reiterated by all the careless " finger end historians " who have 
occasion to write about the first settlement of New-York and 
Brooklyn. It ought to be sufficient to call attention to the depo- 
sition of her own mother, Catalytic Trico Rapalje, (New York 
Documentary History, iii. 50, and other records,) which shows 
that she was born at Albany, during the residence of her parents 
at that place, and that they did not settle at the Wallabout till 
more than twenty five years after 1 Sarah herself joined the 
Church at Brooklyn, in 1661, by letter from the Church in Sew- 
Amsterdam I 

MM Another error, to which the old Dutch families of Long- 
Island seem disposed to hold on, even though disproved over and 
over again. For Rapalje's purchase at the Wallabout in 1637, is 
antedated by that of Bentyn and Bennet, at Gowanus, in 1636 ; 
and, moreover, the presumptive evidence is, that Bennet entered 
almost immediately, upon the occupation and improvement of his 
land, whereas it is well ascertained that Rapalje did not remove 
his residence from New-Amsterdam to the Wallabout until after 
1650. 

NN The Court House erected in 1758 was quite small, and 
near it was a jail ; and one of these buildings was burned down 
shortly after. In a new building, two stories high, which was 
erected soon after, provision was made for both courts and jail. 
Its second story, which was the court-room, was converted into a 
ball room, by the British officers, during the Revolutionary war. 



XXlll 

The building spoken of by our author as built in 1792, was a 
very respectable frame building, with a small cupola, and was de- 
stroyed by fire on the 30th of November, 1832, after which time 
Flatbush ceased to be the County town, and the courts and all 
judicial business were removed to Brooklyn. Here they were 
held in the City Hall until, the capacity of this building having 
become inadequate even to accommodate the business of the city, 
the question began to be agitated, of building a new Court House. 
This was in September, 1852, and on May 20th, 1862, nearly ten 
years after, the corner stone was laid of the magnificent marble 
structure which now forms the finest architectural monument of 
our city, situated on Fulton street, on the site of the old " Mili- 
tary Garden." 



INDEX. 



Note. -Reference figures followed by the letter .V, refer to the Illustrative 
Notes. 

A. 

Aersen, Aercsen, Aerson, and Aertsen, John, 29, 36, 58, 62, 63 ; Da- 
vid. 103 ; Aert, 67 ; Simon , C3 

Airman Wesley an M. E. Church, S2 

American Books, former price of xxx, xxxi 

American Army, retreat from Long-Island, 52 

Amerskort, 5G, 68, 73 

Anbury, Lt., 54 

Ancient Government, - — 55 

Ancient Grants and Patests, 8 

Ancient Names and Remains, 6 

Anderson, Daniel, "9 

Andre, Major, 52 

Andriese, Volkert, 58; I'r'mn G7 

Antonidks, Rev. Mr., T7 

Appendix A, 102; B, 1C4; C,105; D, 106; E, 107 ; No. 2, 110 

Army Yard, The British, 54 

Arondeus, Rev. Joannes, 77 

Ascot Heath, Races at, 54 

Assessors, Office of, 55, 04 ; duties, 69 ; village,. 71 

Apprentices' Library, 86, xviii .V 

Atterbury, xxxi 

Avscurou, Dr. Richard, xiv iV 

B. 

Bach, Robert, 81 

Back, Simeon, 98 

Bank, Long-Island, 86 

Baptist Chorch, the First, S4 

Bardcff, Cornells, 48 

Barense, Claes, 37, 63 

Barentse, Jan, 10 

Barrow, xxxi 

Battle of Long-Island, II JV 50 

Bayard, Samuel, 100 

Beauvois, Jacobus, 58, 65 

Bedford, 18,18 

Bennett, xxii .V; Adrian, 20, G3 ; John /•.'., 04; John Williams?, 67; 

J<ti'nb, 67 

Bergen, Hans Hansen, 37, 88, 99; Jooris, 48; Tunis Guis, 62, 63; 

Teunis <?., vi .V; John. S. t 09, MartimiS, vii .V 



XXVI 

Berry, Walter, 79 

Be.ntyn, sxii _Y 

Beynon, Ivan, 93 

Birch, Geo, L., Biographical sketch, xxi X 87, 94,96 

Bloc.nt, Works of, xxviii 

Board of Health, , 72 

Boerum, Martin, 93 

Bugart, Teuuis Guysbertse, 12, 18, 19, 99; A»rtj , 99; Anfje, 99; 

N 'r, 9>; AuJ'j\ 99; C 99 

Books, American, former prices of, xxx, xxxi 

BOSWYCE 4'i 

Bounds, Differences as to, 45; with Bushtoick, 46; u th Flatbush^ 40; 

with New- Utrecht, 48 

Botd, Mrs., xxiv 

Breyoort, J. C, vii N 

Brodhead, J. R., ijf 

Buildings and Institutions, Public, 73 

Bcrns, xix 

Burying Ground for seYeral denominations, 84 

Boshwick, 2, 24, 5S, 59, 66 

Butler, Silas, 82,83 

Buttermilk Channel, iv .V, 7 

Bradish, Hon. Luther, xv 

Bradt, 32, 34 

Brady, Charles, xviii X 

Breede Graft, The, 29 

Brooklyn, [Breueklyn, Breuekelen, Breucklen, Brmcc&lun, Brack- 
li/it„ Broockkmd) Brookland, Breuckland,] C, 12, IS, 15, 16, IS, 
1!', 88, 44,45, 4C,4T, 48, 49, L02 

Brier, Volkert, Constable, 65, 67 

Bries, Jurian, 53 

Britisu prison ships, 53 

hospitals in Brooklyn, 52 

Broad Street, 29 

Brooklyn Hall, 54 

Fire Insurance Co., 85 

Description of, 54 

Fortifications at 54 

Institute, xviii X 

Situation, 5, 6 

Organization of Village, 68 

Brower, Abraham, 39, 7^ ; William^ 65; Nicholas, 39 ; new mill of, 40 

Brown, Benjamin, 92 ; Jacob, 82; John, S4 

Bydon, John, 91 

Bybout, John, 64,66 

Burr, Aaron, ix .y 

Buys, Tunis, 67 

Bunton, William, SO 



XXV11 

C. 

Canarsee Indians, 5, 6 

Carpenter, William, SI 

Carroll, Rev. Daniel L., xvi A* 

Catherine Street, N. Y., 34 

Catholic Church, St. James's, S3 

Cattle-Market at Brooklyn, 13 

Center, Hobei-t, SI 

Chambers, 32, 34 

Character, Moral, 94 

Childs, Francis, 6 

Chubb, Works of, xxviii 

Churches, St. Ann's, SI ; First Baptist, S4 ; Friends', S4; First Dutch, 
7G; The First in Kings County, 73 ; St. James' R. C, xvii .V; The 

Old, xiv N 

Claasen, Ilendrick, 64, 04 

Clark, Rev. Mr., 77; James B-, SI 

Clarkson, 32,34 

Clerk, 59 ; office of County, 101); duties of the Town, 69, 57 ; of the 

Church,. 73 

Climate, Soil and, 7, 8 

Clinton, Gov. De Witt, x, xix .V 

Clowes, S., '..45 

Cloyse, or CZies, 37 

Coe, John, 36 

Coenties Slip, 27 

Coffin, Capt., 8., 8 

Coles, Jordan, xi A", 93 

Collector 64, 1C9 

Collier, Cornelius, 65; Jurian, 39, 40 

Collins, Works of, x xxviii 

Commissioners, See List of Overseers, 63 ; School, 93 

Common Lands, and division thereof, 40-45 

Concordia, The ship, 8 

Confiscated Estate of John Rapalje, 53 

Conklin, John D., 71 

Constables, List of, 58, 65, 69; duties of, 57,58, 60, 61 

Convention of the Dutch towns, 56 

Coope, Edward, 83, 98 

Cornburv, Gov., 23, '24 

Cordman, Barnard, 80 

Cornell, 32 34 

Cornelissen, Albert, 12, IS; Pieter, 10 

Cornwell, 81, 87 ; Richard, 9S; WMhtm^ 69, 93 

Corporation House, The, 55 

Corson, Cornelius, 58 



XXV111 

Cortelyop, Corteleou, Peter, 30, 45, 49, 50; Bowse, 6; Capt. Jacques, 47 

CORTLAUDT, JaCObllS, 47 

Courier, and N. Y. and L. I. Advertiser, ''4 

Courts, Town, 57, 60; House and Gaol for Kings Co., 101 

Cowenhoyex, Nicalus, 37 ; Garrd, 67 

Cowdrey, Benj. F. &. Co., 94 

Croger, Peter, S2 ; Benjamin* S2 

Ckonmer, Pieter, 4> 

Crtger, 32, 34 

C L t t isg, William, - 85 

ID. 

Dam, see Damen. 

Dames. Jan, 12, 14, IS; Jan Corners, 53 

Darmf.ntier, Peter, 16 

DavieS, Samuel, 17; Thomas, 65 

Dawson, Darby, S3, 84 

Dean, John, 70 

Debevoisb, Charles, appointed teacher, 21, 76, 104, siv .V; Abra- 
ham, 79 ; James, 79 ; Jacobus, 104 

De Brugh, Francis, Sen., 59 

Deed from Morris to Corporation of New- York, 102 

DeLascey, James, 24 

Demarest, Andrew, 69 

Denton, Nehemlah, The mills of, 37, 79 

De Rapostelley, Jerome, 62 

Differences as to Bounds, See Bounds. 

Dikeman, John, 70 

Dircksen, vi X 

Dongas, Gov. Thomas, 11, 17, 19,21, 22, 23 

Doouttle, Elkanah, 82, S3 

Dorlandt, (Dorlant) Jan Gerritsen 37,42,48,68,64 

Doughty, !»7, 98 ; John, 69, 70, 92, 96, xii _Y; Charles, 7, 101 ; Charles 

J,9S; Charles C, 21; Robert IT, 71 

Doxsey, Samuel, 69 

Drake, Samuel G., xxvi 

Ddke's Laws, 57, 59, 99 

Durkl, Paul SI 

Dutch Towns, The Five, 59; Church of Brooklyn, 79 

E. 

Eames, Theodore, Esq., xvi 

Eliot, John, xiv X 

Elmohar, 15, 1" 

Emans, Randolph, 63 

Embury, D., .. 86 

Emery, John, SO 



XXIX 

Enbtl, see Hainelle, 12, 1? 

Engine, the first Fire, 97 

Engineers of Fire Department, 9", 95 

Episcopal Church, first established, SO 

Equitable Insurance Co., 56 

Esopus, attack on, '5 

Everts, Jan, 12, 13 

Ever it, Hichard, 82 

F. 

Falmouth, The, a hospital ship 53 

Fardon, Thomas, 68 

Ferries, Town Rights, 21-36 

Ferrt, The first, error corrected, v iV ; The Old, 29, 34 

Steam used on, 35 

Filkin, Justice, 65, 66, 79 

Fire Insurance Co., Equitable, 86 

The Brooklyn, 86 

Wardens, 9S 

Department, 95-93 

Fish, Col., vii JV; Hamilton, vii .V 

Fisher, John, 96 

Five Dutch Towns, The, 59 

Flatbuso, (Flacbush) 46, 47, 4S, Hi, 57, 4-S 

Fort James, 1-* 

Fortifications, at Flatbush,5T; in Brooklyn,, ix N 

Fortitude Masonic Lodge, £7 

Foster, William, ^2 

Fox, Joseph, * y, Bl 

Fox-IIcntinG on Long-Island, at Ascot Heath, 54 

Freecke, John C , 39 

Freeman, Rev. Mr., T8, 79 

Fricke, George, 97, 9* 

Friends, Congregation of, c 4 

Fcllerton of Carstairs, Lord, xxvii 

Fulton Street Laid out, 86 

Fulton, Robert, 35 

Furman, William, Biographical notice of, vi, xiii, xvil, 34, 6^, 70, 72, 
82, 97, vii N, xi .V; Martha, xix ; Gabriel, biogi-aphical sketch of, 
v — xxiv, vii 2f; Reminiscences of, by Mr. Gowans, xxv— xxxiv 

G-. 

Gaol, 101 

Garland, John, 17 

Gabrabraxtse, Peter, 6-1 

Garretsen, Samuel, 103 

Garretse, John, 37 



XXX 

Garrison, John, x, C9, 70, 72, 62 

Gates, Selden, 83 

Gerbritse, Jan, 64 

Gibbon, Works of, xxviii 

Good Hope, The, burned, 53 

Government, The Town 63 

Ancient, 55 

The Village, 68,70 

Present, 07 

Governor'* Island, its former connection with Red Iiook, 7, 8 

Gowanus, 13, 15 ; the American marksman at 51 

Gowass, William svii, xxv 

GtT's PicTfREof Brooklyn, xii 

GUTSBERT, 93 

Gregos, Isaack 57 

Grant. Major, manner of his death, 51 

Graham, John B., 32 

Grants and Patents, Ancient, 8 

Gravesend, Invested by Indians, 56 

H. 

Haixelle, Michael, 11,12, IS, 57, 5S, .V. 91 

Hagell, Uiian, sedition of, 66 

IIageman, Joseph, 30 

Hale, Capt. Nathan, capture and death of, \ 52 

" Hall, Brooklyn," 54 

Hall, George, 82, S3 

Hansen, Hans, 13, IS, 20; Jacob, 43, 4S, 49, 50, 65, 99 ; Joras, 42, 43, 

44, (54, 93, 99 ; ffich : t 7, 20, 41, 4S, 63, 64, 99 ; Gtorgc, 4S, 49, 50 ; 

Jan, 99; BrechfaW] Marytje, 99 

Hardenulrgh, 32, 34 

Harding, James, , 27, 38 

Harriho, 32, 34 

Harrill, John, 02 

Harsdm, Gerrit, .103 

Hatyley, Rev. Wni. C, 84 

Health, Board of, 72 

Hegeman, Adrian, 70; Joseph, 06 

Hendricks, Peter, 01 ; Cornelia, i .V 

Hendricese, Jurian, 53 

Hendrickson, Stephen, S2 

Henry, William, 70 

Heeney, Cornelius, v _Y, xvii N 

Herbert, Lord, Works of, xxviii 

Hessian Officer, remains discovered, 76 

Sicks, John and Ja:ob, 97 



XXXI 

Hissos, William, 80 

Herald, Suffolk Co., xix & 

H iibabt, Rt: Rev. Bishop, xxviil 

Hock, Thomas 1°8 

Hoiienmnden, Masonic Lodge, ^ 

Hogarth, Rev. Wm., XTiii -V 

Hooker xxxi 

Hopkins, Freeman, S6 

Hcdde, Andvies, ...vJf 

Hope, The, hospital-ship, B3 

Horses, branded by Constable 61 

racing at Ascot Heath, 51 

Horsfield, Israel, ^2 

Howland, Nathaniel, 82, 83 

Hocses, Old, 6, 7 

Hui>de, Andries, 9, 10 

Huddlestone, "William,, 1-1 

Home, Works of xxviii 

no.NT, Dr. J. G. T., 72; Theodosius T4 

I. 

Independent Meeting, 79, SO 

Incidents, Revolutionary, 50 

Indians, Canarsee, 5 ; Mohawk, 5 ; wars between, 5 ; name for Brook- 
lyn, i N; Xyack, C, 15,50 

Institutions and Buildings, Public, xviii, X. 73, S6 

Intelligencer, L. I., 04 

Inventions, 10° 

j. 

Jacobs, Chas. P S4 

Jacobson, Jons, 12, 18, 19 

Jackson, John E 6, 82 

James, Map, 100 ; Samuel, TO 

Jaxse, Jansen ; Barent, 10 ; A ufe, 10 ; Jan t 20 

Jemison, Israel, 82 

Jekmain, Rebecca; John, xxl, ,y 

Jersey, Prison-ship, 53 

Job 15,17 

Johnson, Jeremiah, 3, 79 ; xi X; ix .V; vii X; iil .V; Parmenus, v X; 

Lambert, 68; Rev. Evan M. xiii, xlv 

Jongb, Lodewyck, 10 

Joralemon, Tunis, 52, 70, 79 ; Street, 34 ; biog. x, N 

Journal, and Am. Freeman, 94 

Juriansen, Andries, 5S 

Justices of the Peace. 69 



XXXll 

K. 

44 Kicke," or Lookout, 13, IS 

Kidd, Capt, xxxiv 

Kieft, William, 8 9, 10 

Kings County Court House, xxii X 

King, Gamaliel, xv, 71, 97, OS; Elhha IF., vi 

Kirk, Thomas, xviii X; xix, xxi A"; x, 94 

KREGiEK,_Martin, 74 

L. 

Lafayette, his visit to Brooklyn, vii ^V 

Lamberts, Thomas, : 12, 16, 19 

Lambertse, see above. 

Lambertson, Thomas, 62, 63 

Land granted to Rycken, 9; to Manje, 9, 11; to Hudde, 10,21; to 

Janse, 10,11 

Lamunu-Place, a Public, near Fulton Ferry, 34; at Denton's Mill*, 

Jfilk, 39 ; Roads and Public, SG 

Laws, The Duke's, 57, 59, 99 

Lawrence, John, 69, 71 

Lb Count, 32, 34 

Lefferts, Jacobus, 26,104; Lw/W7, f4, 84,86,97; vii X; John, 79 

Lenell, see Haiwlle. 

Lewis, Elijah, S4; John, 10 

Library Association, The Apprentices', Si 

Lisde, Pieter, 9 

Livingston, 32 , Brockhoht, Mansion, vii .V; 04 

Lodges, Masonic, ; 7 

Loisian School, sv X 

L> 'NG-Islasd Bask, Sfi 

Republican, 94 

Journal and Am. Freeman, 94 

Weekly Intelligencer. 94 

Patriot, xxiilT;.94 

Star, xix X, ; 04 

. Charles, 54 

Lott, Abraham, 31, 32, 34; Johannes JB. 101 ; Jcnwiah, xii X. 

Lovelace, Gov., gives permission to purchase land from the Indians, 15 

Lowe, Rev. Peter, 77, to 

Lodgh, R., 17 

Lubertse, Fred. 61 ; Hcndrick, 99 

Lucas, Eldert, 37 

LUDLOW, C, 92 

Lupardds, Rev. Bernardus, 77 

M. 

Main Road, or Fulton Street 3G 

Makaquiquos, 15, 17 



XXX1U 

Matowacs, or Matouwacks, * 3T 

Malbone, Ralph, ^ 

Mandeville, Works of, xxviii 

Manje, Jan, Grant of land to,. 9, 10 

Markets in 1675, S5 

Marriages, Laws relative to, 76, 7T 

Marsh, John, 91 

Martense, Rocleffe, 66 

Martyrs of British Prison-ships, — 53 

Massacre at Staten-Island, 56 

Masonic Lodges, ST 

Mather, C xiv *V 

Ma to wc as, see Matowacs. 

Mattock, John, SO 

McClaskey, (f xvili .V 

McGlcrb, Gen., xxl 

McKenney, Joiin,.. 69 

McLacgulin, William, S3, S4 

Meryckawick, i X 

Methodist, Epis. African Church, S2 ; first xv JV 

Miscellaneous 99 

Meeker, Benjamin, S3 

Meeting-House, the Independent, , 79 

Megapolensis, Rev. Joannes, 77, xiil 2f 

Mercein, Andrew, 70, 72, 82, 86, 92 

Meserole, John, Jr., 67 

Methodist Episcopal Chdrch, 8*2 

Midwodt, 5S, 56; Church at, 73 

See Flatbdsh. 

Mills, Remsen's, 53 ; Denton" 8, 39 ; Gowanus, 89, 40 ; Broker's, 40 

Ministers in Kings County, 77 

Mitchell, Rev. Wm., S4 

Mohawk Indians, 5 

Mohigan, i y 

MoNTAUK, i .V 

Montgomerie, Gov. John, 24, 28 

Moon, John, 70 

Moore, George II., v N't John H., 81 

Moral Character, 92, 94 

Morgan, Works of, xxviii 

Morris, 32,33,34; William, 23, 102, 103 

Moser, Joseph, 69, 70, 9S ; Isaac, 69, S2 

Murphy, Hon. II. C, xxii; John <?., 69, S3 

isr. 

Nahicans, i _V 

Nam La and Remains, Ancient, G 



XXX IV 

National Advocate, xxi N 

Navy Yard, G, 53 

Newspapers 92, 98, ! 4 

Negroes, Laws Concerning, , 29 

New Ferry, 34 

New York Columbian, xix, y 

New-Utrecht, 5, 48, 49, 5S, 59 

Njcolls, Governor Richard, 11, 14, 18, 19, 32, 88, 99 ; Matthias, 14, 17 ; 

Patent to Brooklyn, 11 

Nichols, Justice, x X; Robert 66, 98 

Notes, Josiah, 93 

Nyack Indians, 6 

o. 

Gake, Jan, 43 

O'Callighax, E. B li .V 

0GDEN, D. B., , is A' 

Old ;Hocses, 6, 1 

©NDERDONK, Rev. H. U., - 8i 

OvEitSEEBS, 5S; changed to Commissioners, G2 • of t lie poor, 69,69; 

Oath taken by, CO, 01 ; List of, , ,.C1, 03 

P. 

Pascal, Mons., xxvl 

Patches, Jacob, 7, xxi; Ralph f V N; Andrew, 92, ili-iv 2f 

Patents, Ancient grants and, S; Confirmatory, granted by Governor 

•NicoMs, 22 ; a General, 11 

Patriot, Long-Island, 94, xxi .V 

Paupers, 100 

Peace, Justices of tbe, 69 

Pelt, Aert Van, 49, 50 

Pepys, Samuel, Visit to the Library of, xiy 

Perniedeare, €1 

Peter, , 15, IT 

Peterse, £9 

Petersen, Mary, 8 

Poilipse, 32, 34 

Pierrepont Mansion, rli X 

Pieterse, Styntie, 16 

Poland, Richard, 84 

Polhemcs, Rev. Joannes Theodorus, 78, 74, 79 ; Biographical notice,. . .xii _¥ 

Poor, Overseers of the, 09 

Population and Increase, , 8T 

Porter, Levi, 8T 

Pound, ordered in Kings County, , 04 

Post Office, 67 

Powers. George, .80, 81 

Pbaa, Capt. Peter, gets his hair pulled by a woman, .CT 



XXXV 

Presbyterian CnuRcn, the First, 82, xv, xvi N 

Present Government, 6t 

Public Lands, Places, Roads and, 36 

Buildings and Institutions, 73 

Institutions, 73 

Pcrcell, William, S3, S4 ; xviii Jv* 

Putnam, Gen., >... » 6, U J? 

a. 

(Jot-Eests paid 21 

R. 

Rapalje, George Jansm, 99 xxi N ; Joras Banielse, 67 ; John, 7, 37, 
3S, 53, 67, 103, ix, x A'; Sarah, 99, xxii If; Jeronimus, 10, 20, 
lii .V; Daniel, 20, 63,63,64,78; Catelyntie Trim, xxii .V; Mrs., 7 

Rafaue, ~| 

Raf.ii.tg, j „ 

Rafaie hSeeabove. 



Rapellie, 

Raymond, Eliakim, 84 

Ratter's Map, iv, vt, .IV 

Records of Towns, lost, 52, ix .y 

Red Hook, 26, its connection with Governors Island, 7, S; sale to Van 

Cortlandt, 1 1 ; fortifications at 50, iv 2f 

Reformed Dutch Church, 83 

Remains of Prison-ship Martyrs, 53 ; Ancient, 6 

Remjscences of Hon. "Win. Furman, xxv, xxxiv 

Remsen, house, 7; Abraham,^ ; Jacob, 26, 104; Kon f 2G t 104; Jeroni- 
mus, 48 ; Isaac, 67 ; Joras, 11 ; Hendrirk, 20, 27, 30 ; Hem A. t 

x N; Mills, 53 

Republican, The L.I 94 

Retreat of Americans at Battle of L. 1 62, 

Revolutionary Incidents, 50 ; Fortifications [x If 

Reyandsen, Martyn, 62 

Richards, 32,34; Charles II. S7; Capt. 81 

Riser Patent . . . . t v, .V 

Ritchie, Thomas, xxl _y 

Roads and Public Landing Places, 30 

Robbers, 56 

Robertson, James, 101 

Robinson and Little, Messrs.,94; Rev. C. S., xvii .y 

Ross, James 62, 83, 84 

Rousseau, Works of. xxxiii 

Royal Gayzette, 54 

RrBEL, Rev. John Casper, . . .77 

Ruyter, Claea Janse, 9, 11, v *V 

Ryceen, Abraham, iv, .V 



XXXVI 

Etcken, Abraham, grant of land to 9 

Eteksos, Jacob, 07 ; Martin, 58 

s. 

Sabbath breakers, 100 

Sale, William A 71 

Sanford, Rev. Joseph, S3, xvi X; Xath. W., S3 

Sands, Joshua, 70, 80, 81, xiv X\ Capt. J. It. and Mrs., xiv X; C & J. 

buy the Rapalje estate, 53, vi, ix, xii X 

Schekck, Lambert, 79, S9 

School, District No. 1,02; previous to Revolution, 92 ; The Loisian, 93, 
xv X; private, in 1831, 93 ; Commissioners of, 93; Inspectors of, 

93 ; Trustees, 93 ; Clerk, 93 

Scnorr, office of, 55 

Schoonmaker, 8 ; Rev. Marlinus, .77, 79 

Seaman, John, 70, 03 

Skbering, Cornelius, 43, 44,4**, 9\ 

Secretary, office of, 55, 59 

Seditions, movements in Kings Co 66, CT 

Sellers Neck, 13 

Selyns, Rev. Henry, 74, 75, 76, 77, xii, xiv N 

Seward, William II xv3 

Shaftsbury, Works of, xxviil 

Shakspeare, xix, 

Shamese, 15, IT 

Sharax, Thomas, 49 

Sharp, Jacob, vii JV 

Shores of Brooklyn, changes in, 7 

Sille, Nicasius de, -. 10, 59, 74 

Simenson, Morris, ,9S 

Simson, James, 101 

Sleght, Hendride, 7S 

Sleghter, Abram, ....65 

Slip, Coenties 2T 

Smith, William, 32 ; Samuel, 69 ; John, 97 ; George, 82 ; Zechariah, S3 ; 

Benjamin, x JT 

Snow, Robert, 92, 93 

Society for suppression of immorality, 95 

Soldiers, in, 66 

Solincs, see Selyns, 

Soil and Climate, 7 

SOCTH, XXXI 

Spader, John, 09 

Spooner, Col. Alden, xi, xxi, 82,83, 94 

Spr ague, Joseph, S2, S3, 93, 98 

Spronq, Gabriel, 67; Casar, £2 

St. A-xn's Church, SO, 81 



XXX.V11 

Stanton, Henry, 90, TO, 72, 101 80, xi A'j Richitd, G9 

Statistics, 87,88,89,90,91 

Star, Long Island, 1)4 

St. James R. C. Church, xvii N 

Stj lm on.ferries, first use of, 85 

Steath, Robert, SO 

Stillwell, Capt. Richard, 47, 3'2 , Nichols c,q 

Stocks, ordered for each town in Kings Co 64 

Stoddard, Robert, - 1 

Storm, l>erick, 57 

Striker, Burdett, Tl, 72,82 

Stuart, Hon. Sir James, xxvi 

Stuyvesant, Gov., 57, 78,75, 92 .\iii N 

Suffolk Co. Gazette, xix X; Herald, , six N 

Superintendent, appointed to the town, *...55 

Si pervisor, duties of, 64, 6 S 

Sutton, Joshua, 97, &S 

Suydam, Fernandus, 21,79 

T. 

Tammany Society, in Brooklyn, xxi, JV 

Tavern, Loosely's, 54 

Taylor, Jeremy, X x xi 

Thomas, 82, 34 

Tiebodt, S 

Tindall, Works of, xxviii 

Titus, Abiel, SI); Jehn, 71 

TOLAND, John, xxvii, xxviii 

Tombs, Andrew, 71 

Towns, The Five Dutch, 59 

Town Clerk, duties of, 57, 69 

Records, during the Revolution, vii, X 

Rights and Ferries, 21, 36 

Courts, 57, 60 

Government, 63 

Totten, Rev. Joseph, xv, iV 

Tr apple, Michael, 98 

Tucker, F. C 81 

Turner, Peter, S3, xviii, X 

TJ. 

United States Navy Yard, 6 

Uni verbalists, S4 

v. 

Van Bokkelen, A. H 81 

Van Brunt, Adriance, 79; CorneHv&i 48, 50 



XXXV111 

Vahdxbbzck, Jeremiah Remsen, iii .Y 

Vanderbilt, John, 101 

Vaxderveer, Abraham 3 

Vandervoort, Peter 26, 104 

Vanderivater, Benjamin, 21, 30, ST, 42; Jacobus, 20, 69,100 

Van Drvs, Cornelius, 43, 4S, 49, 50 

Vandyke, Agges 49 

VanCocrtlaxdt, Stephanus 11 

VanCowexhoyen, John 36 

VanHorne, Major, 31, 33, 34 

Van. Mates, Gilbert, SI 

^AN NlEWENHUYSEK, siii, X 

VAknise, John, 91 

Van Nostrand, John, 90; Isaac, S2 ; Loeet, Tl. -1 

Van PrLT, Thos, 82 

Van Sixl.eren, Rev. Ulpianus, "7 

Vak Ttexiioyex, Cornelius, 9 

Van Voris, R 52 

Van Zcrex, Rev. Casparus, 77 

Vecbte, Nicholas,*!], 104, ii, .V; //• ndrkk, 39, 44 45. 13; //. Clots, 43, 

66 ; Adrian&er, ii, X 

Verdeece, Paulus. 12, IS 

Vkrhoeyex, Cornelius, 65, 91 

Verdon, Jacob, 65 

Verplank, 32, 34 

Village of Broorlvn, The organization of the, 65 ; Incorporation of, 

T'l ; Government of, 6% 70 

Volkert, Philip. 37 

Voltaire, Works of, xxviii 

w. 

Will, George, 80 

Wallaboght, 24, 26, 13, 99 ; early name of, ii 2? 

Warden, Fire, 93 

Waring, FTenry, .52 

Warner, Henry W., 83 

Warrant for Town Tax, 108 

Washington, Gen., 52, 51, ii .V, viii A" 

Waterburt, Noah, 70, xi A 

Watts, samuel, 7 

W^ldon, William, it, A' 

Wells, Jacob, 97. 95; Philip. 47 : Parshall 93 

Widows, 100 

Widowers, 100 

Wisg, S. G., xviii, X 

Wood, Silas, 3 



XXXIX 

i.l, Ezrale, 83; 7><r S. C, TO 

Woertman, Dirck Janse, 10, U ; Tennis v, N 

Y. 

Yj.s\e=tff;, Joras, C7 

1 Fever in 1809,8,34; in 18*22, S; in 1823 S 

Yorkshire, West Riding of, 12 

Yocxg, Abiathar, S7 



